2007 Doak Walker Award Semifinalists Announced

DALLAS, TEXAS – The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors announced today the ten semifinalists for the 2007 Doak Walker Award.

            The semifinalists (in alphabetical order) are:

Anthony Alridge (Sr.)                       Houston

Jamaal Charles (Jr.)                         Texas

Matt Forte (Sr.)                                  Tulane

Mike Hart (Sr.)                                  Michigan

Felix Jones (Jr.)                                 Arkansas

Darren McFadden (Jr.)                     Arkansas

Rashard Mendenhall (Jr.)                Illinois

Ray Rice (Jr.)                                     Rutgers

Kevin Smith (Jr.)                               Central Florida

Jonathan Stewart (Jr.)                      Oregon

                        The 162 members of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast their votes this week to determine the 2007 finalists.   On Monday, November 19, three finalists will be named, and a second vote by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will determine the recipient. The 2007 Doak Walker Award recipient will be announced live on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards on Thursday, December 6.

            The award is named after three-time SMU All-American 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.

###

Honoring the legends of sports for 19 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.

doakwalkeraward.com