Texas Tech University Athletics
Henderson Named to Doak Walker Award List
August 22, 2003 | Football
Aug. 22, 2003
LUBBOCK, Texas - The SMU Athletic Forum announced today the names of the 39 preseason candidates for the 2003 Doak Walker, which includes Texas Tech sophomore running back Taurean Henderson (Gatesville, Texas). The award is given annually to the nation's top college running back.
During his freshman season, Henderson rushed for 793 yards, the best single-season total since Ricky Williams' 1,582 yards in 1998. Additionally, Henderson was a receiving threat out of the backfield, catching an NCAA freshman record 98 receptions in 2002. He finished the season with 103.8 all-purpose yards per game and was second in scoring with 78 points on 13 touchdowns.
Henderson joins fellow Big 12 running backs Zack Abron (Missouri), Tatum Bell (Oklahoma State), Cedric Benson (Texas) and Bobby Purify (Colorado) on the list.
The SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will select eight semifinalists on Nov. 19, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will vote on the winner in late November. The National Selection Committee consists of former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, print and electronic media members and selected special representatives.
The recipient of the 2003 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on ESPN along with other NCFAA member awards on The Home Depot College Football Awards Thu., Dec. 11, 2003. The Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet will be held at The Fairmont Hotel in Dallas Thu., Feb. 12.
Former Texas Tech running backs Byron Morris and Byron Hanspard are past recipients of the Doak Walker Award.
