Nov. 14, 2013

University of South Carolina sophomore Mike Davis is one of 10 semifinalists for the 2013 Doak Walker Award presented to the nation’s top running back, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors announced today.

Davis, a 5-9, 215-pounder from Lithonia, Ga., leads the SEC and ranks 11th in the country in rushing at 117.6 yards per game. He is second in the SEC and 14th in the nation in all-purpose yards at 153.8 yards per contest. Davis, who has rushed for 1,058 yards through nine games, is just the eighth player in school history to eclipse the 1,000-yard barrier in a single season. He has seven 100-yard rushing games this season, along with a team-leading 10 touchdowns.

The semifinalists include:

Ameer Abdullah, Junior, Nebraska

Antonio Andrews, Senior, Western Kentucky

Ka’Deem Carey, Junior, Arizona

Mike Davis, Sophomore, South Carolina

Tyler Gaffney, Senior, Stanford

Melvin Gordon, Sophomore, Wisconsin

Tre Mason, Junior, Auburn

Bishop Sankey, Junior, Washington

Lache Seastrunk, Junior, Baylor

Andre Williams, Senior Boston College

Members of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast their votes to determine the 2013 finalists. On Monday, November 25, three finalists will be named. A second vote by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will determine the recipient. The 2013 Doak Walker Award recipient will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 12, 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.