Doak Walker Award finalist announced
The finalists for the Doak Walker Award, which honours the NCAA’s best running back, were announced as the Oregon Ducks’ LaMichael James, the Wisconsin Badgers’ John Clay and the Oklahoma State Cowboys’ Kendall Hunter.
Heading into the final weeks of the season, the likely award winner remains James, who is the only one of the three that is expected to appear on the Heisman Trophy ballot at the end of the season. However, the strong play from Clay and Hunter are beginning
to put pressure on James, who was once thought to have had the award locked up.
James has been tremendous this season, playing on the highly skilled Ducks offence. Still only a sophomore, James has helped to lead a Ducks offence, which spends the majority of its time running out of a wildcat formation. James has managed 1,422 yards
on the ground this season, while tallying 17 touchdowns. In addition, the Texas native has carried the ball 225 times and has yet to commit a fumble. If the Ducks are able to win their final two regular season games and earn a berth to the national championship
game, expect James to have the Doak Walker in the bag.
Nipping at James’ heels is the incredibly talented and still underrated Kendall Hunter, who has had a terrific year playing for the Cowboys. Hunter is in his final season and has made the most of it, helping the 10-1 Cowboys by accumulating 1,461 rushing
yards and 16 touchdowns. Moreover, Hunter has handled the ball more than James, carrying it 248 times and also has not committed a fumble.
The underdog in the category remains Clay, who has also had a breathtaking season with the 10-1 Badgers. So far this year Clay has managed 929 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Clay sees the ball far less than both Hunter and James, with 172 attempts this
season. However, like the two front runners he has also not committed a fumble.
With such a skilled group nominated this season, personal and team success in the final two weeks of the campaign should play a major role in deciding who takes home the Doak Walker Award in 2010.
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