NOTRE DAME, Ind. – University of Notre Dame junior wide receiver Golden Tate is one of 37 players on the “Watch List” for the 2009 Biletnikoff Award, which recognizes the top wideout in college football, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announced recently.

Tate (Hendersonville, Tenn.) blossomed into Notre Dame’s top playmaker in 2008. One of the most electrifying wide receivers in recent Irish memory, Tate has caught 64 passes for 1,211 yards (18.9 average) and 11 touchdowns, tops on Notre Dame over the past two seasons. He already ranks 10th all-time in career touchdown receptions.

Tate has also eclipsed 100 receiving yards in six games during his career, tied for fifth-most in school history. He has registered 22 receptions of at least 20 yards and 17 catches have gained at least 30 yards over the last two years. Tate, who has averaged 20.7 yards on 41 kickoff returns, ranks eighth in career kickoff returns and ninth in career kickoff return yardage. He has also tallied 2,215 career all-purpose yards.

In 2008, Tate played in all 13 games for the Irish and started eight contests. He led the Irish in all-purpose yards (1,754), receptions (58), receiving yards (1,080), receiving touchdowns (10) and total touchdowns (11). Tate’s 1,754 all-purpose yards ranked third in Notre Dame single-season history, his 58 catches tied him for seventh most and his 1,080 receiving yards were the fifth most.

Tate posted five games with at least 100 receiving yards – tied for third most in a season. He registered 18 catches of at least 20 yards and 15 receptions of at least 30 yards. Tate’s 10 touchdown catches were the sixth most in a single season.

Tate capped off his sophomore campaign in style with a stellar effort in the 49-21 rout of Hawaii in the 2008 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.

The wide receiver totaled 203 all-purpose yards (177 receiving, 17 kick return and nine punt return) and three touchdowns.

Tate’s 177 receiving yards and three touchdowns were not only career-bests, but also set school bowl game records. One of Tate’s touchdowns went for a career-best 69 yards, which was the longest play from scrimmage in 2008.

The winner of the 17th Biletnikoff Award will be announced as part of ESPN’s College Football Awards Show on Dec. 10.

The award will be officially presented to the winner at the annual Biletnikoff Award dinner, hosted by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club, on Feb. 12, 2010.

2009 Biletnikoff Award Watch List
Kris Adams, UTEP
Seyi Ajirotutu, Fresno State
Brandon Banks, Kansas State
Doug Beaumont, Louisville
Arrelious Benn, Illinois
Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas
Antonio Brown, Central Michigan
DeAndre Brown, Southern Miss
Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Tyron Carrier, Houston
Eric Decker, Minnesota
Jacoby Ford, Clemson
Cortez Gent, Florida Atlantic
Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati
AJ Green, Georgia
Rashaun Greer, Colorado State
D’Andre Goodwin, Washington
T.Y. Hilton, Florida International
Shay Hodge, Ole Miss
Jerrel Jernigan, Troy
Damaris Johnson, Tulsa
Julio Jones, Alabama
Brandon LaFell, LSU
Detron Lewis, Texas Tech
Kerry Meier, Kansas
Dennis Pitta, BYU
Taylor Price, Ohio
Aldrick Robinson, SMU
Naaman Roosevelt, Buffalo
Greg Salas, Hawaii
Jordan Shipley, Texas
Jacory Stone, Eastern Michigan
Golden Tate, Notre Dame
Damian Williams, USC
Stephen Williams, Toledo
Ryan Wolfe, UNLV