Aug. 29, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - UCF junior tailback Kevin Smith (Miami, Fla./Southridge) is one of 51 candidates for the 2007 Doak Walker Award, which is presented annually to the top running back in the country. Smith and the Knights open the campaign on Saturday at NC State.
The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum announced the watch list for the award Tuesday afternoon. The recipient of the 2007 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on ESPN on Dec. 6.
A preseason All-Conference USA First Team selection, Smith has rushed for 2,112 yards in two seasons with the Knights. In nine contests a year ago, he rushed for 964 yards and seven scores. As a freshman, he totaled 1,148 yards and nine touchdowns.
His 2,112 yards through two seasons are the most in program history and rank eighth among all juniors in the nation. He recorded four 100-yard rushing games last year, including a 166-yard effort at Marshall. Following the 2006 campaign, he received All-Conference USA Second Team honors.
Named for SMU's three-time All-America running back, the Doak Walker Award is in its 18th year. Last season, Darren McFadden of Arkansas claimed the honor.
The 2007 campaign will serve as the Knights' first at Bright House Networks Stadium on campus. UCF makes its debut at the 45,000-seat facility on Sept. 15 against Texas. Season tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling 407-UCF-1000.
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