Ben Tate Named A Semifinalist For The Doak Walker Award - AuburnTigers.com

Ben Tate Named A Semifinalist For The Doak Walker Award Tate one of 10 finalists for award honoring nation's top running back.

Ben Tate

Nov. 12, 2009

AUBURN - Auburn senior Ben Tate has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award, which honors the nation's top running back, the Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors announced Tuesday.

Tate ranks third in the SEC and 12th nationally averaging 114.2 yards per game and has scored eight rushing touchdowns. He has posted six 100-yard rushing games this year, which is the most by an Auburn player since Kenny Irons had eight in 2005. Five of his six 100-yard games have come against SEC opponents, as he is averaging 135.3 yards per contest in conference games.

Tate's total of 1,142 yards rushing this season ranks 13th on Auburn's single-season rushing list, and he ranks fifth in school history with 3,101 career rushing yards. He also ranks seventh in school history in career all-purpose yards (3,585) and ninth with 22 career rushing touchdowns.

Tate has also added 14 catches for 67 yards and five kickoff returns for 139 yards (27.8 yards per return). His season average of 134.8 all-purpose yards per game ranks 38th nationally.

The 130 members of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast their votes to determine the 2009 finalists. On Monday, Nov. 23, three finalists will be named, and a second vote by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will determine the award recipient. The 2009 Doak Walker Award recipient will be announced live on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards on Thursday, Dec. 10.

The Doak Walker Award is named after three-time SMU All-American running back and 1948 Heisman Trophy winner Doak Walker. Walker, who also punted, returned kicks and kicked extra points, led the Mustangs to two Southwest Conference Championships. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions and led the league in scoring his rookie year. During his six years with the Lions, he led the team to two NFL championships and was chosen All-Pro four times. Walker is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.