IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa senior running back LeShun Daniels, Jr., has been named to the 2016 Doak Walker Award Watch List, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced Wednesday. The Doak Walker Award is presented annually to the nation’s top college running back.
Daniels, Jr., (6-foot-0, 225 pounds) saw action in 12 games with five starts last season. The running back scored eight touchdowns from week 8-11, including a three-touchdown performance in Iowa’s 40-35 win over Minnesota on Nov. 14. His performance against the Gophers earned him honorable mention National Performer of the Week accolades by College Football Performance Awards. Daniels, Jr., accumulated 646 rushing yards — the second highest total on the team — in 145 attempts, and was listed as the first team running back following spring practice.
A native of Warren, Ohio, Daniels, Jr., was named to the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List on Wednesday. The award is presented to the FBS player that best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name ten semifinalists on November 16, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast votes to determine the three finalists, who will be announced on November 22. The committee will cast a second vote beginning November 28 to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives.
The recipient of the 2016 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 8 on ESPN. The Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet will be held in Dallas in early 2017. Iowa’s Shonn Greene earned the 2008 Doak Walker Award.
Iowa opens the 2016 season at home on Sept. 3, hosting Miami (Ohio) inside Kinnick Stadium. Tickets are available for purchase by contacting the UI Athletic Ticket Office at (800) IA-HAWKS and online at hawkeyesports.com.