Mike Weber Named to Doak Walker Award Watch List for Best Running Back

Redshirt sophomore running back Mike Webster was nominated to the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award, which is given to college football’s best running back.

Webster rushed for 1,096 yards in 2016, becoming the third freshman in school history to run for 1,000 yards or more. He joined Robert Smith (1,136) and Maurice Clarrett (1,237), who both accomplished the feat as true freshmen.

Weber could receive even more of the load in 2017, as the departure of Curtis Samuel should open the door for more touches, but Ohio State’s versatile rushing attack is also sure to include dual threat quarterback J.T. Barrett and sophomore Demario McCall – a North Ridgeville High School graduate. K.J. Hill and J.K. Dobbins also figure to get some reps this season.

At 5-foot-10, 210 pounds, Weber’s explosive speed and bruising style allowed him to average 6.0 yards per carry last season and Ohio State returns four starters from last year’s offensive line.

Eddie George is the only Ohio State running back to win the Doak Walker Award, which he received in 1995.

Here’s an updated list of Buckeyes who have been nominated for various preseason watch lists this year:

2017 Ohio State Football Preseason Honors

Doak Walker Award
Watch List
• RB Mike Weber

Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
Watch List
• QB J.T. Barrett

O’Brien Award
Watch List
• QB J.T. Barrett

Wuerffel Award 
Nominee
• DT Tracy Sprinkle

Butkus Award 
Watch List
• LB Jerome Baker
• LB Chris Worley

Paul Hornung Award 
Watch List
• H-B Parris Campbell

Jim Thorpe Award 
Watch List
• CB Denzel Ward

Bronko Nagurski Trophy 
Watch List
• LB Jerome Baker
• DE Nick Bosa
• DE Sam Hubbard
• DE Tyquan Lewis

Outland Trophy
Watch List
• OT Jamarco Jones
• C Billy Price

Rimington Trophy
Watch List
• C Billy Price

John Mackey Award
Watch List
• TE Marcus Baugh

Maxwell Award
Watch List
• QB J.T. Barrett
• RB Mike Weber

Bednarik Award 
Watch List
• LB Jerome Baker
• DE Nick Bosa
• DE Tyquan Lewis
• CB Denzel Ward

Allstate AFCA Good Works Team 
Nominee
• QB J.T. Barrett