Georgia State Football’s Harden Added to Biletnikoff Award Watch List

Release from Georgia State Athletics:

ATLANTA — After his record-setting performance against Georgia Southern, Georgia State receiver Donovan Harden has been added to the 2014 Biletnikoff Award Watch List, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, Inc. (TQC Foundation) announced Tuesday.

Harden enjoyed a remarkable game against Georgia Southern with four touchdown catches and 186 yards receiving, both school records. He caught touchdowns of three, 59, 35 and 36 yards to come within one of the Sun Belt Conference record. His 11 receptions tied the Georgia State record.

One game earlier in a three-point loss to South Alabama, Harden had 10 catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns. He caught touchdowns of 44 yards and five yards in the back-and-forth battle and also had a 34-yard reception on third down to the 4-yard line to set up another Georgia State touchdown.

Over the last two games, Harden has 21 catches for 318 yards and six touchdowns.

The transfer from Illinois State is the Panthers’ leading receiver with 45 catches for 707 yards and seven touchdowns, just one shy of the Georgia State season record (8 by Albert Wilson in 2013). Harden leads the Sun Belt in touchdown receptions (11th in the NCAA) while ranking second in yards per game (88.4) and sixth in receptions (5.6).

Making his accomplishments even more noteworthy is the fact that Harden underwent major knee surgery less than a year ago.

Harden is one of two Panthers on official watch lists for major college football awards, along with tight end and John Mackey Award Watch List member Joel Ruiz.

Today’s watch list additions are the third of this season. The Foundation, when appropriate, periodically will add receivers to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List (based upon performance) up to the commencement of voting by the Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, comprised of 225 college football journalists and commentators, as well as former winners and eminent receivers. Anyone who catches a pass, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot back, or running back) is eligible to win the Biletnikoff Award, founded in 1994.