Alabama junior wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been named to the 2017 Biletnikoff Award Watch List announced today by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation.

Ridley is among 45 candidates from around the country named to the preseason list recognizing the nation’s top receiver regardless of position. Amari Cooper is Alabama’s lone winner, bringing home the award in 2014.

One of the nation’s most explosive wideouts, Ridley had 72 catches for 769 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore. Thirty-nine of his receptions went for a first down or a touchdown in 2016. He had 21 explosive receptions of 15 yards or more to lead the Tide last season. As a freshman in 2015, the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native set Alabama freshman records for receptions (89) and receiving yards (1,045). Ridley has caught at least five passes in 20 of his 30 career games with the Tide and already ranks in the Alabama career top-10 in receptions (161), touchdown receptions (14) and receiving yards (1,814).

The Biletnikoff Award has been presented annually since 1994 by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation to recognize the top receiver in college football. The award is named in honor of former Florida State and Oakland Raiders receiver Fred Biletnikoff. The 2017 winner will be announced at the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show in December.

See the full list of Alabama players on preseason watch lists here.

More From Catfish 100.1