DALLAS, Texas – The Doak Walker Award, a trophy given annually to the nation’s best running back, trimmed its list to 10 finalists this afternoon and it’s no surprise that Iowa State sophomore sensation Breece Hall made the cut.
The prestigious award will announce its finalists on Dec. 21 and select a winner on Jan. 7 on the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN.
Hall is also one of 18 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, given annually to the nation’s best collegiate football player.
A native of Wichita, Kan., Hall has made a swift rise to one of the nation’s elite running backs in 2020 by leading the nation in rushing yards (1,357), 100-yard rushing games (8) and multi-TD rush games (6), first down rushes (66), yards after contact (797), consecutive games with a rush TD (10) and 20+ yard rushes (14).
With 90+ rushing yards and at least one rush TD in all 10 games season, Hall has been the most consistent running back in the nation. He’s averaged at least 4.3 yards per carry in every game and is one of only four FBS players since 1996 to have 100+ rushing yards and 1+ TD in the first eight games to begin a season.
Hall’s versatility is what makes him stand out above the rest. He’s among the nation’s leaders in rushing TDs (17- 2nd nationally), overall TDs (19- 2nd nationally) and scoring (114- 2nd nationally). Hall is averaging 135.7 yards per game, second in the nation among teams playing five games, and 6.11 yards per carry.
He’s caught 18 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns and averaging 150.1 yards from scrimmage.
Hall has also proven to be one of the most elusive and explosive backs nationally. He leads the nation in 50+ yard rushes (4), ranks second in 10+ yard rushes (34) and is second nationally in missed tackles (59).
He has recorded just one lost fumble in 449 career touches.
Statistics alone makes Hall’s season incredible, but perhaps his biggest accomplishment on the year is his impact on winning. The Cyclones, currently ranked ninth nationally in the CFP poll, claimed first place in the Big 12 regular-season standings and a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game for the first time in school history.
Doak Walker Award Semifinalists
Travis Etienne, Clemson
Breece Hall, Iowa State
Najee Harris, Alabama
Mo Ibrahim, Minnesota
Jermar Jefferson, Oregon State
Sincere McCormick, UTSA
Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M
Jaret Patterson, Buffalo
Javonte Williams, North Carolina
Kyren Williams, Notre Dame
