We were extremely disappointed to learn that Justin Hardy of East Carolina was not chosen as a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award. While we understand that there are a number of deserving candidates for this honor, anyone who has seen Justin play this year would have to conclude that he is among the best receivers in the nation.



Quite simply, Justin Hardy will finish his career as one of the all-time greats in college football. He is on the cusp of becoming the NCAA FBS career receptions leader, breaking one of the game’s most important records, and he has done it with great class and dignity. He has had an outstanding season in every respect.



Our extremely competitive conference has terrific players across the board, particularly, at the wide receiver position, and our schools have played the toughest nonconference schedule of any conference in the nation. Justin Hardy stands out in a very talented group and he deserves to be recognized.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Commissioner Mike Aresco has issued the following statement in response to the announcement of the Biletnikoff Award semifinalists yesterday.