Doak Walker award announces 10 semifinalists

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Doak Walker award announces 10 semifinalists running back Kenneth Walker Bijan Robinson — Tim Warner/Getty Images

The Doak Walker award released the names of their 10 semifinalists who are still in the mix to win the prestigious honor for the 2021 season. The award honors the top running back in the country yearly, named after SMU legend Doak Walker.

Walker, who also punted, returned punts and kickoffs, and kicked extra points, earned All-America honors in 1947, 1948 and 1949. He missed the 1946 season due to his service in the Army. In 1948, Walker won the Heisman Trophy.

Since a running back hasn’t won the Heisman award since 2015, the Doak Walker Award is usually the highest honor a running back will win in their career.

In 2020, Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris took home the Doak Walker award.

The 2021 favorite to win is Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III. Walker is tied for second in the odds for the Heisman Trophy and leads all rushers in yardage this season. Syracuse running back Sean Tucker is more than 100 yards behind Walker. The Spartans RB also has 17 rushing touchdowns, which also tops the nation, alongside BYU’s Tyler Allgeier.

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While almost every semifinalist is from a Power 5 program, running back Sincere McCormick waves the flag for the Group of Five. The Roadrunners are 10-0 this year behind 1,150 rushing yards and 11 scores by the Texas native.

There are still two weeks remaining in the regular season for anyone to catch Kenneth Walker.

Check out the full list of semifinalists before it is whittled down to three by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee.