USC receiver Marqise Lee, who has a nation-leading 112 catches, hauled in the highest honor for a college football receiver Wednesday when he was announced as the winner of the Biletnikoff Award.

Lee, a sophomore, accepted the award during the nationally televised Home Depot College Football Awards in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.


The 6-foot, 190-pound Lee is the first USC player to win the award, which is named for former Florida State and NFL receiver Fred Biletnikoff.

West Virginia’s Stedman Bailey and Baylor’s Terrance Williams were other finalists.


Lee also was selected to the Walter Camp All-America team.

Lee established a Pac-12 Conference record for receptions in a season, eclipsing the 111 USC’s Robert Woods amassed last season, when he was a Biletnikoff Award finalist.


Lee has 14 touchdown receptions and also returned a kickoff for a touchdown. He has averaged 215.7 all-purpose yards, which ranks third nationally.

Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M; won the Davey O’Brien Award as the top quarterback. Johnthan Banks of Mississippi State won the Jim Thorpe Award as the top defensive back.


Other awards scheduled to be announced: Lou Groza (kicker); Maxwell (all-around); Chuck Bednarik Trophy (defensive); Outland (interior lineman); Doak Walker (running back); Ray Guy (punter).

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