Walker Award Watch List released

2012 major awards watch lists

DALLAS – The PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced Thursday the preseason candidates for the 2012 Doak Walker Award. The award is presented annually to the nation’s top college running back.

The field of 52 candidates is highlighted by 2011 Doak Walker Award finalist Montee Ball from Wisconsin. A senior, Ball led the nation in rushing yards and scoring last season. Other nominees include 2011 semifinalists Rex Burkhead (Nebraska), Zach Line (SMU) and Joseph Randle (Oklahoma State).

Nominations for the award will be accepted through October.

Semifinalists will be named Nov. 9, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast votes to determine the finalists, who will be announced on Nov. 19. The committee will cast a
second vote beginning on Nov. 26 to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives.

The recipient of the 2012 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 6. The Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet will be held in Dallas, Texas in Feb. 2013.

The award, in its 23rd year, is named for SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. It is the only major collegiate award that requires all candidates to be in good academic standing and on schedule to graduate within one year of other students of the same classification.