Texas Tech junior wide receiver Keke Coutee was named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list Tuesday morning by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation.
Coutee, Tech’s top returning receiver from a year ago, is one of 45 wideouts listed on the watch list. His selection marks the 12th time in the past 13 seasons where a Red Raider has been a nominee for the Biletnikoff Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top receiver.
This is the second preseason honor already this summer for Coutee, who was named to the All-Big 12 preseason team last week in a vote of media members who regularly cover the league. He was an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection in 2016 by the conference coaches.
Coutee was among the top receivers in the country last year once Big 12 play began as he ranked second in the league with 95.7 yards per game against conference foes. He had four 100-yard receiving games during league action, which was capped by his 221-yard performance in the season finale against Baylor.
The Lufkin, Texas native closed the year with 890 yards through the air after hauling in 55 receptions, seven of which that went for touchdowns. He ranked eighth in the Big 12 for total receiving yards and ninth for receiving touchdowns despite totaling just 29 yards over the first three games of the season.
In addition to his role as part of Tech’s high-flying offense, Coutee also played a role on special teams, returning six kicks late on the year while also serving as a primary backup on punt returns.
The Tallahassee Quarterback Club will name 10 semifinalists on Nov. 13 following a vote by members of the Biletnkioff Award national selection committee. Three finalists will be declared following another vote on Nov. 21.
The 2017 Biletnikoff Award winner will be announced Dec. 7 during The Home Depot College Football Awards Show that airs from 6-8 p.m. CT on ESPN. Former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard will present the trophy during the show.
Coutee and the Red Raiders kick off the 2017 season on Sept. 2 Tech welcomes Eastern Washington to Jones AT&T Stadium. Season tickets and mini-plan options are still on sale by contacting the Tech Ticket Office at 806-742-TECH or by visiting the ticket portal at TexasTech.com.
(Courtesy: Texas Tech Sports Communication Department)
