Jaelen Strong for Biletnikoff?

On Monday, Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong was nominated as one of 10 semi-finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, which recognizes the best wide receiver in the nation.

But what are his chances of being named a finalist for the award when the three finalists are announced on Nov. 24? Many “experts”, such as JJ Stankevitz with NBC College Football Talk, are saying that Strong has a great shot at being a finalist.

Stankevitz predicted his top three choices for finalists in his article (http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/17/biletnikoff-award-names-10-semifinalists/) with Amari Cooper (Alabama), Kevin White (West Virginia), and Strong topping his list.

Oct 18, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) catches a touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Among the ten receivers that have been recognized as semi-finalists Strong ranks 7th in catches (71), 7th in receiving yards (982), and tied for 4th in touchdown scores (9).

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Strong has a great chance to better those numbers with a game against Washington State this weekend before the next cut-off from 10 receivers to three.

If the 6’4” wide receiver can exceed 100 yards and catch at least one touchdown (has a touchdown in seven of 10 games this season) he will have a much better shot at making the top-three receivers in the nation.

Oct 4, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA: Arizona State Sun Devils receiver Jaelen Strong (21) catches a 53-yard touchdown pass while defended by Southern California Trojans linebacker Hayes Pullard (10) on the final play of the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Arizona State defeated USC 38-34. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

If Strong can do well against the Cougars and Arizona State can take care of business against Arizona the next week while receiving a little bit of help, the Sun Devils could very well repeat as Pac-12 South champs.

The final game, before bowl season begins, would be against the Oregon Ducks where both teams could put up huge offensive numbers. Strong would have yet another shot to improve on his statistics against a weak Oregon defense.

With three great opportunities to better his statistics Strong could have a shot at winning the Biletnikoff Award. More importantly than the award however is the fact that Strong is already projected as a late-1st round draft pick, but with three/four more good games under his belt he could crack the top-15 mark in the NFL Draft. Not too shabby for a JUCO transfer redshirt junior, eh?