Purdue's Rondale Moore, David Bell Both on Biletnikoff Watch List For Top Receiver
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue fans already know that Rondale Moore is a special wide receiver, and they learned quickly a year ago that David Bell is too, stepping up in a big way after Moore was lost for the season with an injury.
As we head into the 2020 season, both of them are getting national recognition. Moore and Bell are both on the watch list for the Biletnikoff Award, which is given out annually to the best pass catcher in the country.
Purdue is one of just four schools to have two people nominated for the same award. The others were USC, LSU and Alabama.
Moore had a brilliant freshman season in 2018, making 114 catches for 1,258 yards and earning first-team All-American honors. He had 24 catches in Purdue's first two games a year ago, but then got hurt and was lost for the season.
Bell picked it up for Moore and turned into a star himself a year ago. Last year, Bell had 85 catches for 1,035 yards and seven touchdowns. He earned freshman All-American honors and was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
The Biletnikoff Award recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver, regardless of position. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, split end, inside receiver, slot back or running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes the outstanding receiver, not merely the outstanding wide receiver.
The award recipient is selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of prominent college football journalists, commentators, and former receivers. Foundation trustees do not vote and have never voted. BiletnikoffAward.com/voters
Other Big Ten players on the watch list include:
- Rashod Bateman, Minnesota
- Nico Collins, MIchigan
- Pat Freiermuth, Penn State
- Chris Olave, Ohio State
- Whop Philyor, Indiana
- Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Iowa
