PROVO, Utah—Junior running back Jamaal Williams has been named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced Thursday.
A two-time Doak Walker Award Watch List honoree, Williams is one of 53 players on the list. Semifinalists will be announced Nov. 18. BYU will face eight of the award candidates during the 2014 season.
The Doak Walker Award, first presented in 1990, is given to the nation’s best running back. Andre Williams from Boston College won the award last season.
Williams tallied 1,233 yards on 217 carries last season, resulting in seven touchdowns. The 6-foot junior from Fontana, California, needs 1,447 yards to become BYU’s all-time rush leader.
Williams has also been named to the Maxwell Award Watch List and the College Football Performance Awards Running Backs Watch List, and he received 2014 Phil Steele Preseason All-Independent First Team honors.
BYU’s only Doak Walker Award winner is Luke Staley, who won the award in 2001.
For a complete list of Doak Walker Award candidates, read the official SMU release.