Texas Tech WR Eric Ward Named Preseason Candidate for the Biletnikoff Award

Texas Tech’s streak of placing a wide receiver on the Biletnikoff Award preseason watch list continued Tuesday when junior Eric Ward was named to the list.

Ward makes it five straight seasons a Red Raider has been on the Biletnikoff  Award watch list as the junior joins past preseason watch list honorees: Michael Crabtree (2008), Detron Lewis (2009 and 2010) and Alex Torres (2011).

Ward was named one of 49 preseason candidates for the 2012 Biletnikoff Award by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation. The Biletnikoff Award honors the nation's top wide receiver and has been awarded twice to Texas Tech as Michael Crabtree claimed the honor in back-to-back seasons in 2007 and 2008.

Among the 49 preseason candidates for the award are eight student-athletes from the Big 12 Conference. Joining Ward on the preseason list is Tavon Austin (West Virginia), Stedman Bailey (West Virginia), Josh Boyce (TCU), Mike Davis (Texas), Tevin Reese (Baylor), Kenny Stills (Oklahoma) and Terrance Williams (Baylor).

Ward led the Red Raiders in receiving last season with 84 catches for 800 yards and 11 touchdowns. He caught 16 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns in the season finale against Baylor.

The 2012 winner will be presented live on December 6, 2012.