Pair of Oregon Running Backs Named to Doak Walker Award Watch List
Oregon has become a destination for many of the best running backs in the country. They’ve seen no shortage of greats come through Eugene like Jonathan Stewart, La’Michael James, De’Anthony Thomas and Royce Freeman, just to name a few.
They’ve got another loaded room under Ra’Shaad Samples heading into the 2024 season and on Tuesday two of their star backs landed on the Doak Walker Award Watch List.
Junior Jordan James and redshirt junior Noah Whittington are in the mix for the award recognizing the nation’s most outstanding collegiate running back.
James is entering his third year with the Ducks and took on a larger role in 2023 after Whittington suffered a season-ending injury against Colorado. Despite being in just his second college season at the time, the Tennessee native stepped right into the spotlight and starred for the Ducks.
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He recorded 759 rushing yards on 107 carries for 11 touchdowns on the ground, while also catching 15 balls for 132 receiving yards and one touchdown. Despite Whittington’s return to full health, James may start the season as the team’s No. 1 back, though it’s hard to say because the Ducks liked to rotate their backfield so much in 2023.
As for Whittington, he was granted a medical redshirt after suffering an injury in September. The former Western Kentucky transfer rushed for 148 yards and 2 touchdowns on 20 carries before his year was cut short. His speed may be one of his best traits, but he also runs with tons of power and regularly grinds out every yard he earns.
Aside from James and Whittington, Oregon’s backfield is made up of junior Northwest Missouri State transfer Jay Harris, sophomore Jayden Limar and true freshman Da’Jaun Riggs.
