On Wednesday, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum released its first list of candidates for the Doak Walker Award, that’s given to the best running back of the nation. Texas Tech’s Da’Leon Ward was included in this list, alongside with 61 other players.
In 2016, Ward led the team in rushing yards (428) and scored three touchdowns as a true freshman, but lost the entire 2017 due to academic problems and was redshirted.
With Desmond Nisby and Justin Stockton, Ward is expected to return to the team to show his abilities once again, and he’ll probably split carries with senior Tre King, at least at the beginning of the season.