Reggie Bush Named 2005 Doak Walker Award Recipient
| December 8, 2005 |
Contact: Jeff Lockhart (214)768-4314 lockhart@smu.edu |
DALLAS, TEXAS -
The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum announced Reggie Bush from the University of Southern California as the recipient of the 2005 Doak Walker Award this evening at ESPN’s TheHome Depot College Football Awards in Orlando .
Bush, a junior from Spring Valley , California , has rushed for 1,658 yards and accounted for 18 touchdowns this season. He leads the nation averaging 218 all-purpose yards per game and 8.9 yards per carry , and ranks third in the country in total rushing yards . Bush holds the Pac-10 record for all-purpose yards in a game with 513.
“Reggie had some incredible performances this season,” said Tony Dorsett, recipient of the 2001 PricewaterhouseCoopers Doak Walker Legends Award and member of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee . “He is the most electrifying football player on the planet and truly deserves to receive this award.”
Bush will receive the award at the Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet on Monday, February 27, in Dallas . Also honored that evening will be Jim Swink, former TCU star running back, who is the recipient of the 2005 PricewaterhouseCoopers Doak Walker Legends Award.
The award is named after three-time SMU All-American running back and 1948 Heisman Trophy winner Doak Walker. The versatile Walker, who also punted, returned kicks and kicked extra points, led the Mustangs to two Southwest Conference Championships and brought the school into the national spotlight. Walker was drafted by the Detroit Lions and as a rookie led the league in scoring. 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.
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Honoring the legends of sports for 17 years, the Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum celebrates outstanding success in athletics. Based in Dallas , the series features major figures from a variety of sports. The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum includes four luncheons and the prestigious Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet.