Mark Taurisani Assistant Director of Athletics, Football Chief of Staff | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Mark Taurisani Assistant Director of Athletics, Football Chief of Staff | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois running backs Kaden Feagin and Josh McCray have been named to the 2024 watch list for the Doak Walker Award by the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) and the PwC SMU Athletic Forum.
Illinois is one of ten programs nationally to feature two backs on the 2024 Doak Walker Award watch list, alongside Alabama, Kansas, Missouri, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, and West Virginia.
The Doak Walker Award is presented annually to the most outstanding running back in college football. Created in 1989, it honors Doak Walker, who won the 1948 Heisman Trophy and was a three-time All-American. The award recognizes student-athletes who excel on the field, in the classroom, and within their communities. A national selection committee comprising sports writers, television commentators, analysts, radio sports personalities, former All-Pro and All-America running backs, and past award winners votes on the recipient.
Recent winners of the Doak Walker Award include Ollie Gordon II from Oklahoma State (2023), Bijan Robinson from Texas (2022), and Kenneth Walker III from Michigan State (2021).
Kaden Feagin has earned recognition as a member of the 2024 Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten Fourth Team. As a true freshman in 2023, he received an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention from coaches and was twice named Big Ten Freshman of the Week. During his first season, Feagin played in nine games with four starts and began his career with 74 consecutive carries without a negative rush. He ranked tenth in rushing yards during conference games with 405 yards.
Josh McCray has faced challenges due to injuries over the past two seasons but made notable contributions when available. In 2023 alone he was named to both the Doak Walker Award watch list and Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten third team. His freshman season in 2021 saw him rank second on his team in carries (112) and rushing yards (549), achieving two rushing touchdowns.
Feagin's significant performances included posting a game-high 148 yards of total offense against Minnesota and setting career highs for rushes (24) and rushing yards (97) against Wisconsin. McCray's standout moments featured rushing for career-highs such as 156 yards at Purdue in 2021.
As of August 6th:
- Kaden Feagin is on the Doak Walker watch list.
- Josh McCray is on the Doak Walker watch list.
- Kenenna Odeluga is on the Wuerffel watch list.
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