It's hard to say whether or not the Big East has any definitive trademark in terms of conference identity, but it's safe to say that, as a whole, the conference isn't filled with intimidating pass-and-catch teams. It possesses several duel-threat quarterbacks and power running games, so receivers tend to get lost in the shuffle. There are a few diamonds in the rough, perhaps, with three of the receivers listed named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list.
1. Alec Lemon, Senior, Syracuse
A member of the Biletnikoff Award watch list, Lemon has improved steadily in each of his three seasons with the Orange. He has upped both his receptions and total yards each season, and he only stands to improve further as he prepares to continue catching passes from fellow senior Ryan Nassib. The two have started together since their sophomore year, and they've connected on ten touchdowns.
2. Anthony McClung, Junior, Cincinnati
McClung was a solid performer last year for the Bearcats, and he had a breakout game in Cincinnati's regular season finale against Connecticut. With starting quarterback Zach Collaros out with an injury, Munchie Legaux found a favorite target in McClung, and the two of them hooked up for eight completions for 142 yards and two scores. With Collaros' departure, Legaux and McClung look to build on that success in 2012.
3. Devin Street, Junior, Pittsburgh
Another member of the Biletnikoff Award watch list, Street will again play opposite senior receiver Mike Shanahan at Pitt. It creates a great situation for quarterback Tino Sunseri, and a challenge for defenses to stop both wide outs. If there is one thing Street can improve on in his third year, it's getting to the endzone. Street has only four touchdown passes in his career.
4. Sterling Griffin, Junior, South Florida
After missing all of the 2010 season with an injury, Griffin was putting up solid numbers in 2011 until he was again felled by an ankle injury. He is now healthy and ready to go in 2012, but his durability must be of concern. If he can get an entire season under his belt, he may end up being the best of the bunch.
5. Mike Shanahan, Senior, Pittsburgh
Though his junior season much left to be desired -- just 493 yards on 39 catches -- Pitt senior Shanahan has shown flashes of ability throughout his three years. With the emergence of Street, Shanahan only stands to get more looks as defenses focus on Street and running back Ray Graham. A long shot on the Biletnikoff Award watch list, Shanahan is poised to prove that he belongs among the nation's best.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Big East bloggers Matt Rybaltowski and Evan Hilbert, follow@CBSBigEast
