Darren McFadden Named

2007 Doak Walker Award Recipient

  ORLANDO, FL – The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum announced Darren McFadden from the University of 

  Arkansas as the recipient of the 2007 Doak Walker Award this evening at The Home Depot ESPNU College Football

  Awards.

McFadden, a junior from Little Rock, was the 2006 recipient of the award and is the second two-time recipient. In 2007, the all-purpose threat accounted for 20 touchdowns rushing, receiving and passing. He led the SEC with 1,725 rushing yards, setting the Arkansas single-season and career rushing records.

“Darren is a truly outstanding player who does it all on the football field. It is going to take five guys to replace him,” said Tony Dorsett, recipient of the 2001 PricewaterhouseCoopers Doak Walker Legends Award and member of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee.

McFadden will receive the award at the Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet on Friday, February 15, in Dallas. Also honored that evening will be Marcus Allen, former USC and NFL great, recipient of the 2007 PricewaterhouseCoopers Doak Walker Legends Award.

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.

The recipient of the Doak Walker Award is chosen by a 162-member National Selection Committee comprised of members of the media and former players.  Ballots for the Doak Walker Award are tabulated by the independent accounting firm of Burgess Company.

##

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.

-smu.edu/doakwalker-