Branden Oliver Named to 2012 Doak Walker Watch List

BUFFALO, NY - The PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced Thursday morning the preseason candidates for the 2012 Doak Walker Award. The award is presented annually to the nation's top college running back. Following up a spot on the Maxwell Award watch list, junior running back Branden Oliver was named one of just 52 running backs in the nation to make the watch list. 

Now between Oliver and his defensive counterpart Khalil Mack, the Bulls are a part of four different major award watch lists, setting a new program record. Oliver is joined by Mid-American Conference contemporary Anthon Samuel from Bowling Green. 

Oliver smashed UB's single-season records for rushing yards (1,395 yards, a total that ranked 14th in the nation), carries (306) and all-purpose yardage (1,760 yards) as a sophomore while being named first-team All-MAC.  He also set a school record by going over 100 yards on eight occasions, while adding 13 touchdowns. He broke the record of former UB great James Starks who rushed for 1,333 yards in 2008. Starks also previously held the record for carries (272) and all-purpose yards (1,694).

The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name the semifinalists on November 9, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast votes to determine the finalists, who will be announced on November 19. The committee will cast a second vote beginning on November 26 to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives. 

The recipient of the 2012 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 6, on ESPN. The Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet will be held in Dallas, Texas, in February 2013.The award, in its 23nd year, is named for SMU's three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. It is the only major collegiate award that requires all candidates to be in good academic standing and on schedule to graduate within one year of other students of the same classification.

Doak Walker Award Candidates