Rice Named Semifinalist for Doak Walker Award
Nov 13 | Football
DALLAS, TEXAS - The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors announced today the 10 semifinalists for the 2007 Doak Walker Award.
The semifinalists (in alphabetical order) are:
Anthony Alridge (Sr.), Houston
Jamaal Charles (Jr.), Texas
Matt Forte (Sr.), Tulane
Mike Hart (Sr.), Michigan
Felix Jones (Jr.), Arkansas
Darren McFadden (Jr.), Arkansas
Rashard Mendenhall (Jr.), Illinois
Ray Rice (Jr.), Rutgers
Kevin Smith (Jr.), Central Florida
Jonathan Stewart (Jr.), Oregon
Rice was a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award last season and was a finalist for the 2006 Maxwell Award after rushing for 1,794 yards last season. In 2007, the junior has rushed for 1,500 yards to rank third nationally and first in the BIG EAST. For his career, Rice has rushed for 4,414 yards - the most in Rutgers history and the second-best total in BIG EAST history. Rice has scored 41 career rushing touchdowns - another Rutgers record - and the fifth-best total in the BIG EAST annals.
Rice leads all active players nationally with a career average of 126.1 yards per game. He is averaging 151.3 yards per game in his career vs. AP Top 10 teams and 118.6 yards per game during his career vs. ranked opponents.
Rice has averaged 133.2 yards vs. four of the nation's top 31 rushing defenses this season. He is the only player to rush for 100 yards vs. West Virginia and USF in 2007.
The 162 members of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast their votes this week to determine the 2007 finalists.
On Monday, November 19, three finalists will be named, and a second vote by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will determine the recipient. The 2007 Doak Walker Award recipient will be announced live on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards on Thursday, December 6.
The award is named after three-time SMU All-American running back and 1948 Heisman Trophy winner Doak Walker. Walker, who also punted, returned kicks and kicked extra points, led the Mustangs to two Southwest Conference Championships. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions and led the league in scoring his rookie year. During his six years with the Lions, he led the team to two NFL championships and was chosen All-Pro four times. Walker is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
