[BAYLOR FOOTBALL] Baylor Football: Smith Named a Doak Walker Award Semifinalist

[Calderone, Max]

BAYLOR ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS – Nov. 17, 2021

Baylor FB’s Smith Named a Doak Walker Award Semifinalist
Smith is one of 10 candidates for nation’s most prestigious running back honor
For more information contact: Max Calderone, 254-265-1639, Max_Calderone at Baylor.edu<mailto:Max_Calderone at Baylor.edu>

DALLAS – Baylor football senior running back Abram Smith is one of 10 semifinalists for the 2021 Doak Walker Award, as announced Wednesday by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum.

The award honors the top running back in college football based on extraordinary play, good academic standing, citizenship, leadership and sportsmanship associated with Doak Walker.

Through 10 games in 2021, Smith has rushed for a Big 12-best 1,203 yards on 164 carries. He ranks third nationally in yards per carry (7.34), fifth in total yards (1,203) and 23rd in rushing touchdowns (11). His seven games with at least 100 rushing yards are one shy of Baylor’s all-time record for most in a single season.

Currently, Smith ranks fifth on BU’s single-season rushing yards list and needs just 15 yards to jump to fourth, 49 yards to move to third, 126 yards to climb into second and 344 yards to tie Terrance Ganaway’s 2011 record (1,547). Smith needs one more rushing score to become the eighth player in program history with at least 12 rushing TDs in a season.

Earlier this season, Smith became the 13th player in program history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, and the first to do so since 2016. He was named the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award’s Player of the Week following his career day vs. BYU, in which he rushed for 188 yards and scored three touchdowns. Smith also earned honorable mention recognition after BU’s season-opener at Texas State, rushing for 118 yards and two scores.

The Abilene native’s story is well documented, having been recruited to Baylor as a running back but switching over to linebacker during the 2019 season. In the final week of spring ball in 2021, Smith flipped back over to offense as a perfect fit for offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes’ new wide zone scheme.

By doing so, Smith has revitalized one of the nation’s most potent ground attacks as BU ranks fourth nationally with 237.5 rushing yards per game, increasing its rushing output by 163% after ranking 123rd last season (90.3 ypg).

Members of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast their votes to determine three finalists to be named Tuesday, Nov. 23. The committee will cast a second vote to select the 2021 award recipient, with the winner set to be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, Dec. 9, on ESPN.

Walker, the award’s namesake, was a three-time All-America running back and the 1948 Heisman Trophy winner. He led the Mustangs to two Southwest Conference Championships before being drafted by the Detroit Lions. During his six years in the NFL, he led the Lions to two Championships and was chosen All-Pro four times. Walker is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

For the latest news on the Baylor football team all season long, follow its official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts: @BUFootball.

2021 DOAK WALKER AWARD SEMIFINALISTS
Tyler Allgeier, BYU, So.
Tyler Badie, Missouri, Jr.
Breece Hall, Iowa State, Jr.
TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State, Fr.
Sincere McCormick, UTSA, Jr.
Bijan Robinson, Texas, So.
Abram Smith, Baylor, Sr.
Sean Tucker, Syracuse, So.
Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State, So.
Kenneth Walker, III, Michigan State, Jr.

-BaylorBears.com-


__________________________________

Max Calderone | Associate Director of Athletics Communications (BSB, FB, EQ)
Department of Athletics | Baylor University
C: 254-265-1639

[signature_576816360]<http://baylorbears.com/>

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