:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50122787/usa-today-9383997.0.jpg)
Rising junior Royce Freeman is getting a lot of preseason hype for the Oregon Ducks, and is now officially a candidate for the Doak Walker Award.
Candidates for the award, which goes to the sport’s top running back, were released today.
Freeman rushed for 1,836 yards as a sophomore in 2015, scoring 17 touchdowns with an average of 6.49 yards per carry. He also recorded 348 yards and two touchdowns receiving. Freeman is drawing some early Heisman hype, though he isn’t buying into it.
Semifinalists will be named Nov. 16, three finalists will be announced Nov. 22 and the winner will be presented the award Dec. 8 on ESPN. The award is named for SMU running back Doak Walker, a three-time All-American.
In order to win, candidates have to be in good academic standing and on schedule to graduate within one year of other students of the same classification.