FSU Retro Look Back: Fred Biletnikoff

Long before there was a Javon Walker or Anquan Boldin at FSU, there was Fred Biletnikoff. Bilenikoff was one half of a dynamic duo with quarterback Steve Tensi who lit up the field with aerial bombs. Biletnikoff was a sure handed receiver who played in the 60s under coach Bill Peterson.

Fred came to Florida State in 1961 and three years later became the school's first consensus All-American. He rewrote the Seminole record for pass receptions during his career. In one game - the 1964 Gator Bowl vs. Oklahoma - he established single game records of 13 receptions, 192 yards and 24 points scored. After the 1964 Miami game, he was honored as the Associated Press national back of the week, the first Seminole to be so honored.

He played thirteen years for the Oakland Raiders and was later the first FSU player inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.He was also elected into the FSU Football Hall of Fame in 1977 as well as the College Football Hall of Fame.

There is now the Biletnikoff Award begun in 1994 and named after this FSU great.It is given each year by the Tallahassee Quaterback Club Foundation for the nation's outstanding college receiver.