Michigan State RB Kenneth Walker III wins 2021 Doak Walker Award

Kenneth Walker III burst onto the scene for Michigan State this year after transferring from Wake Forest. His efforts paid off Thursday night as he was named the winner of the 2021 Doak Walker Award, which goes to the nation’s top running back.

Walker made an immediate impact on the Spartans, who had a virtually nonexistent run game last season. He finished the year second in the nation with 136.33 rushing yards per game.

You couldn’t have drawn up a better start to the year for Walker. In his very first play from scrimmage of the year, he took it 75 yards to the house. In fact, Walker accounted for 33.4% of Michigan State’s total offense this season.

Walker’s biggest game of the year came against Michigan when he rushed for 197 yards and five touchdowns to help the Spartans to a thrilling 37-33 win over the Wolverines.

Michigan State is now gearing up to play Pitt in the Peach Bowl.

Kenneth Walker III explains reasoning behind transfer to Michigan State

Walker enjoyed the best season of his college career with the Michigan State Spartans. But the five-foot-10 running did not start his career with the Spartans. During an interview with Joel Klatt on Breaking the Huddle earlier this season, Walker opened up on what brought him to Michigan State. 

Walker has taken over as the team’s primary running option. As the lead running back, he put on a show on the ground. But for Walker, it wasn’t the glitz and glamour then brought him to Michigan State.

For him, it was head coach Mel Tucker and what he is currently doing with the program. 

“I did a virtual tour with coach Kap (Chris Kapilovic) and they showed me the offense and how things work here,” Walker said.  “After that talk, I ended up talking to coach Tuck (Mel Tucker), and I love the pic she gave about the culture he’s building here, and things like that. I was very interested in that. I felt like this was the best place for me.” 

Kapilovic takes care of a lot of responsibilities for the Michigan State football program. He is their assistant head coach, offensive line coach and run game coordinator. This offseason, Kapilovic assisted in what appears to be the best move made heading into the season, helping to convince Walker to come to their program. He set it up and, coach Tucker knocked it out of the park for the Spartans. 

Kickoff between Michigan State and Pitt in the Peach Bowl is set for Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.