Orange star running back Sean Tucker is on his way to shattering program records and is one of the top backs in the nation this year.
The organization in charge of determining such things solidified that on Wednesday when Tucker was tabbed as a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award – presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding running back.
Tucker currently leads the nation in yards from scrimmage (1,610), is second in rushing yards (1,362) and with two regular season games to play is within shouting distance of Joe Morris’ single-season record of 1,372.
The Owings Mills, Maryland native is one-of-10 players on the list and the only member of the ACC on it. Others include Tyler Allgeier (BYU), Tyler Badie (Missouri), Breece Hall (Iowa State), TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State), Sincere McCormick (UTSA), Bijan Robinson (Texas), Abram Smith (Baylor), Deuce Vaughn (Kansas State) and Kenneth Walker III (Michigan State).
To determine the 2021 finalists, members of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast their votes. Three finalists for the award will be named Tuesday, November 23. The Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast a second vote to select the 2021 award recipient. The 2021 Doak Walker Award recipient will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 9, 2021 on ESPN.
The Award is named after three-time SMU All-America 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.
Tucker and the Orange return to action on Saturday at NC State.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].