DALLAS, TX – University at Buffalo running back Jaret Patterson was named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced on Monday. He is the first UB player to be named a semifinalist for the prestigious award given annually to the nation's best running back.
Through four games, Patterson has rushed for 920 yards and 16 touchdowns. His 230 yards per game average leads the nation and his 16 rushing touchdowns are third in the country. The junior running back rushed for a school and Mid-American record 409 yards (the second-highest single-game total in FBS history) and tied a FBS record with eight rushing touchdowns in UB's last game against Kent State. He rushed for a combined 710 yards and 12 touchdowns in UB's last two games – both FBS records for consecutive games.
The semifinalists (in alphabetical order) are:
Travis Etienne - Clemson
Breece Hall - Iowa State
Najee Harris - Alabama
Mo Ibrahim - Minnesota
Jermar Jefferson - Oregon State
Sincere McCormick - UTSA
Jaret Patterson - Buffalo
Isaiah Spiller - Texas A&M
Javonte Williams - North Carolina
Kyren Williams - Notre Dame
To determine the 2020 finalists, members of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast their votes. Three finalists for the award will be named Monday, December 21. The Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast a second vote to select the 2020 award recipient. The 2020 Doak Walker Award recipient will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, January 7, 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.
