North Texas got a dose of ''T.Y. Goodbye'' last Saturday.

FIU freshman receiver T.Y. Hilton caught a screen pass from quarterback Paul McCall at the Golden Panthers' 27.

Hilton turned and shook a defender, went into the middle of North Texas' defense, broke three more tackles, cut across the field and sprinted down the sideline for a 73-yard touchdown.

That is why Golden Panthers fans on Internet message boards have dubbed Hilton ''T.Y. Goodbye'' -- because once he got an opening on each of his four touchdowns this season, he has left defenses behind.

During summer workouts, Hilton, a two-sport star at Miami Springs, was timed as the team's fastest player in the 40-yard dash (4.2 seconds).

''It's been very, very surprising to see how the FIU fans have taken to T.Y.,'' said Hilton's father, T.Y. Sr. 'We just sit there in the stands and laugh when we hear the fans yell, `T.Y. Goodbye,' and enjoy every part of it.''

Hilton will try to help FIU win its third consecutive game and earn a share of the Sun Belt Conference lead Saturday against Middle Tennessee at FIU Stadium. He has four of FIU's 13 touchdowns this season and leads the team with 284 receiving yards.

And FIU is planning to use the well-known AOL sign-off ''Goodbye'' when Hilton scores at FIU Stadium.

A FAN FAVORITE

The FIU athletic department is getting more inquiries about where to buy Hilton's No. 4 jersey.

Athletic director Pete Garcia said the number has grown from 12 to nearly 100 requests.

''Our fan base is very excited about T.Y., and what better way to demonstrate it than wearing his jersey,'' Garcia said.

After Hilton signed with FIU in February, he told coach Mario Cristobal he would get a touchdown the first time he touched the ball. In the season opener against Kansas, on his first punt return, Hilton returned a punt 74 yards for a touchdown.

Although Hilton appreciates the nickname and extra attention, he has stayed on an even keel through his fast start.

''It's nice that the fans like what I've done,'' said Hilton. ``But I just have to stay focused, keep helping my team win and play my role that the team expects me to play.''

Hilton's role so far has been to be FIU's playmaker.

His parents, who were sitting in the Fouts Field stands in Denton, Texas, last Saturday watching their son score two touchdowns and total 145 receiving yards, are not shocked to see his sudden success.

'Fans say, `You don't get excited to see T.Y. break one,' '' his mother, Cora, said. 'I tell them, `I'm used to it by now.' ''

On the other hand, the Golden Panthers are getting used to him.

''I have come to expect great plays from him,'' McCall said. ``I like taking a back seat and watching him do his magic down the field.''

Hilton was one of the first high school players Cristobal recruited last season. Hilton also was recruited by Florida, West Virginia and Ole Miss.

MAKING HIS MARK

Hilton was a Miami Herald All-Dade standout in football and basketball at Miami Springs and a finalist for the Player of the Year Award. Throughout his high school career, Hilton was pursued by Miami Northwestern High, but always chose to stay at Miami Springs.

''I wanted to make my mark on a program instead of being just another player at an established program,'' Hilton said. ``I thought about FIU the same way.''

In the end, playing for a young program and staying close to family won out, and Hilton chose FIU.

''Just to see my family in the stands gives me that edge, that extra boost, because I know who I am doing that for,'' Hilton said. ``Going to those other places, they already have their traditions, their stadiums and all that there.

``But with FIU, they are starting a new game, a new stadium, a new attitude and I'm all in it for it.''

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