James Semifinalist for Doak Walker Award

The University of Oregon Athletic Department announced today that sophomore running back LaMichael James has been named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, given to the country's top running back. James is leads the nation in rushing, averaging 166.4 yards per game and has scored 17 touchdowns. He has also crossed the goal line on a pass reception.

So far this season LaMichael James has been responsible for 13 explosion plays of 25 yards or longer, of which seven of those plays resulted in a touchdown.

James has the longest play from scrimmage in the Pac-10 this season on an 84-yard touchdown reception at Washington State and the second-longest run on a 76-yard TD vs. Stanford. All told, he has four scores of 66 yards or longer.

The Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will vote to determine the three finalist, which will be announced on Nov. 22.

A second vote by the committee will determine the winner to be announced live at The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, Dec. 9 on ESPN.

Last year’s Pac-10 freshman of the year with a conference-best 1,546 rushing yards – the most ever by a freshman in Pac-10 history – leads the league once again with 1,331 yards through eight games. He is also the league leader in touchdowns (18), rushing touchdowns (17), 100-yard games (7) and 200-yard games (3).

Doak Walker was a three-time SMU All-America running back and 1948 Heisman Trophy winner. Walker is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

2010 Doak Walker Award Semifinalists
John Clay (Jr.), Wisconsin
Kendall Hunter (Sr.), Oklahoma State
Mark Ingram (Jr.), Alabama
LaMichael James (So.), Oregon
DeMarco Murray (Sr.), Oklahoma
Bilal Powell (Sr.), Louisville
Jacquizz Rodgers (Jr.), Oregon State
Vai Taua (Sr.), Nevada
Daniel Thomas (Sr.), Kansas State
Ed Wesley (So.), TCU