The USC Trojans have a long history of legendary running backs.
Reggie Bush.
Marcus Allen.
Mike Garrett.
OJ Simpson.
The list goes on and on.
The Doak Walker Award was created in 1990 and is given to the Nation’s best College Football running back. While the history of USC would lend the title of RBU, in its recent history, only Reggie Bush has won the Doak Walker Award, which was in 2005.
Could that change this year?
Going into the season, all three members of the Trojans’ backfield have been named to the award watchlist.
USC Trojans Bryan Jackson, Waymond Jordan, Eli Sanders Named To Doak Walker Watchlist
25 programs had multiple nominations, and 4 schools tied with 3 nominations: Temple, ECU, Notre Dame, and the USC Trojans.
Bryan Jackson saw limited action as a true freshman last year, but when he did, he made his presence felt. He rushed for 188 yards on 36 carries (5.2 average), and crossed the end zone once.
He garnered a season-high 71 yards on 6 carries against Notre Dame, and added 66 yards on 16 carries with a touchdown against Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl.
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Eli Sanders transferred to USC from New Mexico as a redshirt senior. Originally from Oceanside, CA, last season Sanders rushed for 1,063 yards and 9 touchdowns. He averaged an astonishing 7.2 yards per rushing attempt. He brings a ton of speed and experience to the Trojans’ backfield.
Waymond Jordan is seen as the potential leading tailback of the group (while all will get reps). He transferred over from Hutchinson Community College and was the No. 1 rated JUCO running back in the nation by 247 Sports, On3, and ESPN.
Last season, he rushed for 1,614 yards on 218 carries (7.4 average), while averaging 134.5 yards per game with 20 touchdowns in 12 games played. He is certainly a player who has the ability to turn some heads this season and is a great addition to Lincoln Riley’s offense.
Getting named to the Doak Walker watch list is a huge honor, and all three of the USC Trojans will have the opportunity to get their name etched into history. The winner is announced on December 12.
Will Bryan Jackson, Waymond Jordan, or Eli Sanders be the first Trojans to win the award in 20 years? Comment your thoughts below!