NOTRE DAME, Ind. — Sophomore running back Kyren Williams has been named a candidate for the 2021 Doak Walker Award, which recognizes the top running back in college football. Williams was a semifinalist in 2020, and is one of five former semifinalists to return to the list in 2021.
Already named to the 2021 Maxwell Award Watch List, honoring the nation’s top college player, Williams comes off a redshirt freshman season being selected to the 2020 FWAA Freshman All-America Team, and was one of three finalists for the Shaun Alexander/FWAA Freshman Player of the Year Award.
The ACC Rookie and Offensive Rookie of the Year, Williams made a definitive mark on Notre Dame’s offense, and created a challenging matchup for defenses from across the FBS, in 2020. He was the only freshman to surpass 1,000 rushing yards on the year, totaling 1,125 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, the most rushing TDs among any freshman player. Williams reached the 100-yard rushing mark in six games in 2020.
Williams also added 35 receptions (ranking third on the Irish offense) for 313 yards and a touchdown. His 14 total touchdowns led all FBS freshmen.
Among all FBS players, Williams was tied for 10th in rushing TDs, tied for 11th in total TDs and ranked ninth in rushing yards. In the ACC, Williams ranked fourth in rushing yards per game (93.8), fourth in scoring – TDs (7.0 points/game) and fifth in all-purpose yards per game (119.83).
Williams earned an ACC weekly honor five times out of ten possible weeks in 2020, and was named All-ACC Second Team running back by the conference, also claiming honorable mention for the all-purpose slot. He was also selected to the Phil Steele All-America Third Team.