Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman has emerged as a standout player this season, earning himself a spot among the top 10 semifinalists for the prestigious Biletnikoff Award. The announcement was made on Monday, sparking excitement among Seminoles fans.
The Biletnikoff Award, presented by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, Inc., is a highly coveted accolade given to the nation's top receiver. It is named in honor of former Florida State and Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver, Fred Biletnikoff. Biletnikoff's impressive football career includes an All-American status at FSU, followed by a remarkable 14-year tenure with the Oakland Raiders in the NFL from 1965 to 1978.
Hailing from Opelousas, Louisiana, Coleman has showcased his exceptional skills on the field and has become a key player for Florida State. Leading the team in multiple categories, including 45 catches, 615 yards, and an impressive 11 receiving touchdowns. His 11 touchdown catches not only lead the ACC but also rank seventh nationwide. They mark the highest number of touchdowns for a Seminole player since Kelvin Benjamin's record-tying 15 touchdowns in 2013.
Coleman's impact was felt right from his Seminole debut against the formidable No. 5 LSU. In that game, he made a memorable entrance, catching nine passes for 122 yards and three touchdowns. His three touchdowns not only established him as a standout performer in the ACC this season but also set records for the most touchdowns in a Seminole debut since the 2017 season and the most in an FSU season opener since 2013.
Another notable performance came against Syracuse, where Coleman achieved a milestone in FSU history. He became only the second player in Seminoles history to amass 100 receiving yards and 100 punt return yards in a single game. In that game, he caught nine passes for an impressive 140 yards and a touchdown. Furthermore, he showcased his versatility on special teams, accumulating 107 punt return yards, including a remarkable 72-yard return that marked the longest for FSU in five seasons. Notably, his 58-yard touchdown against Syracuse stands as the longest of his career so far.
This season, Coleman has been a consistent playmaker, leaving a mark in the national rankings. His 72-yard punt return is currently the 14th-longest in the nation for the year 2023, while his 107 punt return yards rank as the fifth-highest in a single game this season. Additionally, his 247 all-purpose yards rank as the 14th-most in FSU history.
Coleman's heroics were not limited to regular-season games. In a thrilling showdown against Clemson, he stepped up when it mattered most, catching two touchdowns, including the game-winner from 24 yards in overtime. This remarkable performance led FSU to a 31-24 victory, breaking Clemson's 25-game home winning streak in ACC games and ending the Tigers' seven-game winning streak in the series.
Throughout the season, Coleman has consistently made important contributions to the Seminoles' success. He has scored touchdowns against Southern Miss, recorded two touchdowns at Wake Forest, and added one touchdown each in the last two games against Miami and North Alabama.
As the regular season comes to a close, Coleman and the Seminoles are gearing up for their final game against Florida. This highly anticipated matchup will take place on Saturday and will be televised on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. Fans can expect Coleman to continue making his mark as he aims to solidify his position as one of the nation's top receivers.
The finalists for the Biletnikoff Award will be announced on November 28, and the winner will be honored during the Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN on December 8. With his exceptional performances and impressive statistics, Keon Coleman has undoubtedly positioned himself as a strong contender for this prestigious accolade.
