Miami Hurricanes receiver Michael Harley named to Biletnikoff Award’s watch list

Miami Hurricanes standout wide receiver Michael Harley was named to the watch list for the 2021 Biletnikoff Award, which is annually presented to college football’s most outstanding pass catcher.

Harley, a St. Thomas Aquinas alumnus, is coming off a 2020 season in which he recorded team highs with 799 receiving yards, 57 receptions and seven touchdowns.

He was a third-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference recipient for his play last year.

DeVonta Smith, the former Alabama and current Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, won the Biletnikoff Award last year.

No Miami player has won the award since its inception in 1994.

Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot back or running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award.

Harley is returning to UM for his fifth season after taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility the NCAA granted student athletes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He has caught 125 passes for 1,615 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first four seasons with the Hurricanes.

Harley is the third Miami player to be recognized on a preseason watch list, joining quarterback D’Eriq King (Maxwell Award, O’Brien Award) and safety Bubba Bolden (Bednarik Award).