MEMPHIS – The lone freshman to be named one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award last season, running back Kenneth Gainwell was named to the watch list for the 2020 award Wednesday. Gainwell, 2019 Doak Walker winner Chuba Hubbard (Oklahoma State) and 2018 finalist Travis Etienne (Clemson) are the only Doak Walker semifinalists from last year returning in 2020.
On his way to numerous awards, including FWAA Freshman of the Year, Sporting News All-American, American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year and unanimous all-conference honors in 2019, Gainwell finished with 1,459 rushing yards on 231 carries.