Rodney Smith named preseason candidate for Doak Walker Award

After being selected to the Maxwell Award Watch List earlier this week, college football enthusiasts will have their eyes on Gophers running back Rodney Smith for another award.

Smith has been named a preseason candidate for the Doak Walker Award, which is presented to the nation’s top running back. The senior has sprinted for 2,805 yards and 21 touchdowns on 626 career carries. Smith has also tallied 419 receiving and 626 kick return yards. He needs just 1,260 all-purpose yards in 2018 to break Gophers legend Darrell Thompson's school record.

Smith is one of 62 running backs selected to the award’s watch list, including four Big Ten players. University Athletic Departments nominate players for the honor and the Doak Walker Award committee accepts submissions through October.

Stanford running back Bryce Love won the award last season after leading the Pac-12 in rushing yards.

Ten semifinalists are named in November and the committee votes for three finalists, who will be selected in late November. The Doak Walker Award winner will be announced on Dec. 6 on ESPN.

The Doak Walker is a longshot, but I think he'll break the great Darrel thompson's APY record. Go get it RS1.

Gotta stay healthy...., improved O line play, some improvement in the passing game..... We will see.