DALLAS - Old Dominion running back Blake Watson was named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List, PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced on Wednesday. The Doak Walker Award is given to the best running back in college football.
The watch list announcement is the second of the week for Watson, as he was placed on the Maxwell Award Watch List on Monday. The Maxwell award is given to the College Football Player of the year.
In 2021, Watson became the first Monarch since Ray Lawry in 2016 to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season, as he registered 1,112 yards on a school record 215 carries and had eight rushing touchdowns. He also caught 10 passes for 55 yards and a touchdown. Watson came to ODU in 2018 as a wide receiver and redshirted, and moved to running back midway through the 2019 season.
A native of Queens, New York, Watson set an ODU record with five-straight 100-yard rushing games and notched six 100-yard games on the year. He recorded a season-high 168 yards on 26 attempts against Marshall.
Watson earned Conference USA honorable mention honors a season ago and earned them as well as a freshman at kick returner.
Watson and the Monarchs open the season on Friday, Sept. 2 against Virginia Tech at Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium.
Season tickets for the 2022 football season can still be purchased by going to YNotTix.com or calling 757-683-3360.
Watson Named to Doak Walker Award Watch List
Blake Watson