Powell Named Semifinalist for Doak Walker
November 11, 2010 | Football
Nov. 11, 2010
Dallas, Texas - University of Louisville running back Bilal Powell was named one of the ten finalists for the 2010 Doak Walker Award, given to the nation's top running back.
The semifinalists are: John Clay (Jr.) Wisconsin, Kendall Hunter (Sr.) Oklahoma State, Mark Ingram (Jr.) Alabama, LaMichael James (So.) Oregon, DeMarco Murray (Sr.) Oklahoma, Bilal Powell (Sr.) Louisville, Jacquizz Rodgers (Jr.) Oregon State, Vai Taua (Sr.) Nevada, Daniel Thomas (Sr.) Kansas State, Ed Wesley (So.) TCU.
Powell has gotten off to a remarkable start, running for 1,067 yards and nine touchdowns in eight games this season. He sat out last week's game due to an injury suffered in the 20-3 loss to Pittsburgh on Oct. 30. He ranks fifth in the country and second in the BIG EAST in rushing. In back-to-back games against Memphis and Cincinnati, Powell recorded a pair of 200-yard rushing games, running for 204 yards in a 56-0 win over Memphis and 209 in a 35-27 defeat to Cincinnati.
The 175 members of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast their votes to determine the 2010 finalists. On Monday, November 22, three finalists will be named live on ESPNU, and a second vote by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will determine the recipient.
The 2010 Doak Walker Award recipient will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 9 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.
