MICHIGAN’S CHRIS PERRY NAMED 2003 DOAK WALKER AWARD RECIPIENT

DALLAS, TEXAS – The SMU Athletic Forum announced this evening the University of Michigan’s Chris Perry as the recipient of the 2003 Doak Walker Award.

Perry, a senior from Advance, North Carolina, rushed for 1,589 yards and gained an additional 366 yards receiving this season. The Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year finished the regular season ranked fourth nationally in rushing yards per game and total rushing yards. His 154 yards and two touchdowns helped Michigan secure a victory over defending national champion and archrival Ohio State, earning the Big Ten title and an appearance in the Rose Bowl for the Wolverines.

“Chris Perry is a great running back,” said Tony Dorsett, recipient of the 2001 PricewaterhouseCoopers Doak Walker Legends Award and member of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee. “He’s put up impressive numbers all year and has had his strongest performances in the biggest games.”

Perry, who attended the same high school as 1995 Doak Walker Award recipient and current Tennessee Titans tailback, Eddie George, was recently named the winner of the Bo Schembechler Award as the Most Valuable Player of the 2003 Michigan football team.

“We have followed Chris’ season very closely and feel that the National Selection Committee made a wonderful choice,” said Randall Goss, Chairman of the SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors. “The Board is proud to honor him with this year’s award.”

In addition to skills on the field, candidates for the Doak Walker Award must have demonstrated records of leadership and exhibited the characteristics of sportsmanship and fair play associated with Doak Walker.

“I was privileged to know Doak Walker for more than twenty five years. He was a remarkable athlete, but an even more remarkable person. His talent on the football field was surpassed only by his warmth, kindness, and loyalty. Because of who he was and what he did, the Doak Walker Award is one of the most significant honors to be given each year,” said Verne Lundquist, college football analyst for CBS Sports and member of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee.

Perry will receive the award at the Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet on Thursday, February 12, 2004, in Dallas. Also honored that evening will be Felix “Doc” Blanchard and Glenn Davis, former Army star running backs, who were jointly named the recipients of the 2003 PricewaterhouseCoopers Doak Walker Legends Award.