UTEP’s Akharaiyi Lands on Biletnikoff Award Watch List

11/8/2023 9:59:00 AM

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – UTEP's Kelly Akharaiyi, following a productive last four games, was one of three receivers added to the 2023 Biletnikoff Award Watch List as announced by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation, Inc. on Wednesday.

Akharaiyi has posted big numbers over the last month, averaging 124.0 receiving yards per game to go along with four touchdowns. Overall in 10 games so far this season, the redshirt junior leads the team in receptions (37), receiving yards (786), yards per catch (21.2), yards per game (78.6) and receiving touchdowns (five).

Akharaiyi put up career numbers after recording career bests in receiving yards (223), receptions (eight) and touchdown catches (two) at FIU on Oct. 11. He also hauled in a career-long 80-yard scoring pass and added a 23-yard touchdown from Cade McConnell during a 21-point first quarter. His efforts helped the Miners snap a four-game skid with a 27-14 victory over the Panthers, while winning their first ever game in the state of Florida.

His performance at FIU ranks no. 1 in CUSA and is one of two receivers in the conference to produce a 200-yard performance. He also ranks no. 7 nationally and is one of 14 receivers in FBS to post 200 receiving yards in a single contest.

The product of Irving, Texas, was the first Miner since Jordan Leslie to post a 200+ yard receiving game when Leslie had 218 yards at Tulsa on Oct. 11, 2012. Akharaiyi's 223 yards ranks tied for fifth best in program history with Johnnie Lee Higgins Jr. who tallied 223 on Sept. 30, 2006, against NM State.

Following that dazzling performance in South Beach on "Vice Night", Akharaiyi tallied 126 yards on six catches during a come-from-behind win at Sam Houston. His 25-yard score early in the fourth quarter tied the game at 27-27 after the Miners were down 27-13 late in the third.

Against WKU on Nov. 4, Akharaiyi posted his second highest receiving total with 141 yards on five receptions. He scored on a 62-yard reception from McConnell against the Hilltoppers.

The transfer from Tyler Junior College has posted big numbers in 2023 after tallying 275 yards on 21 receptions and a touchdown in 12 games a season ago.

Akharaiyi ranks second in CUSA in receiving yards (786), and third in yards per catch (21.2) and yards per game (78.6). He's tied for fifth in CUSA with five TD receptions.

Akharaiyi has posted four games of 100+ receiving yards this season. He opened his junior campaign with his first career 100-yard game (102) at Jax State.

The 2023 Biletnikoff Award winner will be presented the Biletnikoff Award trophy by TQC Foundation Founding Trustee and Chairman Walter Manley II, Fred Biletnikoff, and the 1996 Heisman Trophy winner and national champion Danny Wuerffel, keynote speaker, at the black-tie Biletnikoff Award Banquet & Celebration at the Dunlap Champions Club, at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee on Saturday, March 9, 2024. The banquet was hailed by 2014 keynote speaker Dick Vermeil, as well as by 2013 keynoter Larry Csonka, as "the best banquet in college sports."

2023 Biletnikoff Award Watch List

ABOUT THE BILETNIKOFF
The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season's outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot back, and running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes college football's outstanding receiver, not merely college football's outstanding wide receiver.

Help Support UTEP student-athletes by making a gift to the Miner Athletic Club. Visit https://givingto.utep.edu/mac today!

UTEP football is celebrating 60 years in the historic Sun Bowl. You're invited to pledge to support the Miners' success during the 2023 season. You can pledge to support each Miner win, bowl eligibility and even a CUSA Championship. Personalize your support of the Miners! https://caringcent.org/utep/football23

For complete coverage of UTEP Football, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPFB (Twitter/Instagram/Facebook) or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.

Print Friendly Version