DALLAS – Texas sophomore RB Bijan Robinson was named a Doak Walker Award semifinalist, the PxC SMU Athletic Forum announced on Wednesday. Robinson, who ranks eighth in the nation in all-purpose yards averaging 142.20 yards per game, is one of 10 semifinalists for the award presented annually to the nation's top college running back.Â
Robinson, who is also a Maxwell Award semifinalist, looks to join a prestigious trio of Longhorns who have won the Doak Walker Award, which began in 1990. Ricky Williams was a two-time winner, bringing home the trophy in 1997 and 1998, while Cedric Benson collected it in 2004, and D'Onta Foreman won the honor in 2016. Texas' four Doak Walker Award trophies are the second-most by an FBS school all time. (Wisconsin, 5).
The Tucson, Ariz. native currently ranks ninth nationally in rushing yards (1,127) and rushing yards per game (112.7) and 11th in total touchdowns (15). He surpassed 100 yards rushing in six games this season, including a 216-yard effort at TCU to become the 13th player in program history to eclipse 200 yards rushing in a game. His six games with 100 rushing yards are tied for the 11th-most in program history and include a stretch of five consecutive 100-yard games that is tied for the fifth-longest streak in UT history. Robinson suffered an elbow injury in last week's game against Kansas and will miss the remainder of the season.
The sophomore scored at least one touchdown in nine of 10 games this season (11 rushing, four receiving) with four multi-touchdown games, including three-touchdown efforts against Rice and Oklahoma State. Among Big 12 counterparts, Robinson leads the conference in all-purpose yards per game, ranks third in rushing yards, rushing yards per game, rushing touchdowns (11), yards per carry (5.8) and total touchdowns, and is fourth in scoring (9.0 points per game) and total points scored (90).
In 10 games this season, Robinson totaled 1,127 rushing yards on 195 carries (5.8 ypc) with 11 touchdowns, while hauling in 26 receptions for 295 yards (11.3 ypr) and scoring four touchdowns. All told, his 10-game totals include 1,422 yards on 221 plays for 6.4 yards per play and 15 touchdowns. Of his 221 plays, 12 have been for more at least 20 yards, including runs of 62 and 50 yards.
To determine the 2021 finalists, members of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast their votes. Three finalists for the award will be named Tuesday, November 23. The Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast a second vote to select the 2021 award recipient. The 2021 Doak Walker Award recipient will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 9, 2021 on ESPN.
The Award is named after three-time SMU All-America 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.
2021 Doak Walker Award Semifinalists
Tyler Allgeier, BYU
Tyler Badie, Missouri
Breece Hall, Iowa State
TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Sincere McCormick, UTSA
Bijan Robinson, Texas
Abram Smith, Baylor
Sean Tucker, Syracuse
Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State
Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State
