The Washington State Cougars have had their fair share of struggles this season, and limited bright spots. However, WSU redshirt senior wide receiver Vince Mayle will win the 2014 Fred Biletnikoff award this season.

WSU Head Coach Mike Leach noticed Mayle’s unique talents when he recruited him from Sierra College, a junior college powerhouse in California.

“I mean, he was built like a Saturday morning cartoon character — he was all chiseled up,” Leach said in an interview with The Spokesman-Review. “He’s like one of those figurines your mom bought you as a child. He didn’t have a monster face, but it looked like Vince.”

Mayle is currently listed on the Fred Biletnikoff Award watch-list, along with fellow WSU receivers sophomore River Cracraft and senior Isiah Myers. The Biletnikoff Award is presented annually to the nation’s outstanding college football receiver by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, Inc.

Mayle, originally from Sacramento, California, ranks among the top receivers in college football this season. Mayle currently ranks second in the FBS with 781 receiving yards, tied for fifth with seven touchdowns, and tied for third with 57 receptions, according to ESPN.com.

Mayle has flourished in Leach’s explosive Air-Raid offensive attack. Mayle, a former high school basketball standout, set a WSU single-game record with 226 receiving yards against California a few weeks ago.

The Sacramento Native has also proven to be an unstoppable force in the red zone. Mayle has a knack for scoring touchdowns and has scored at least one touchdown in six out of the Cougars’ seven games this season.

Mayle is also one of the most consistent receivers in college football. He has recorded at least six receptions and 75 receiving yards in six out of seven games for the Cougars this season. The WSU wide receiver has also accumulated at least 120 receiving yards in three games this season, and has demonstrated his explosiveness against some of the toughest teams in college football.

Mayle also has a work ethic that is unmatched. According to NCAA.com, he lost about 20 pounds after last season, and continuously works on his craft as a playmaker. Mayle’s work ethic has already resulted in career highs in receiving yards, receptions, and touchdowns with five games still to play in 2014.

WSU senior redshirt quarterback Connor Halliday has also raved about his star receiver’s production this season.

“Vince is a heck of a player,” Halliday said in an interview with allcougdup.com. “We’re gonna ride him the rest of the year.”

Mayle will have plenty of opportunities to showcase his talents against high-quality teams in the remaining games this season. Mayle and the Cougars play No. 22 ranked USC, No. 16 Arizona, No. 17 Arizona State, and in-state rival Washington during the final stretch of the season.

Mayle will continue his dominant play for the Cougars, and will become the first WSU receiver to earn the prestigious honor.