New Arizona RB Named to Doak Walker Award Watch List

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Arizona running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been named to the watch list for the Doak Walker Award, a significant accolade in college football.

The prestigious award honors hthe nation’s best running back and is named after SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. This is Croskey-Merritt's first career appearance on the watch list, following his transfer to the Wildcats from the New Mexico Lobos.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Résumé

Croskey-Merritt spent the first four seasons of his collegiate career with Alabama State before transferring to New Mexico in 2022. He had a career season with the Lobos in 2023, establishing historically high-rated team marks. He recorded the seventh-most yards in a single season (1,190) and third-most single-season touchdowns (17) while averaging 6.3 yards per carry. In his collegiate career, Croskey-Merritt has tallied 2,609 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns.

Doak Walker Award Timeline

Ten semi-finalists will be named by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors in Nov. The Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will narrow those 10 down to three finalists later in the month. Another vote, determining the ultimate winner, will be cast in Dec. The decision will be announced on Dec. 14 live at The Home Depot College Football Awards Ceremony.

The watch list includes a stout lineup of backs featuring the 2023 recipient Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State Cowboys), 2023 finalist Omarion Hampton (North Carolina Tar Heels), and 2023 semi-finalists Tajh Brooks (Texas Tech Red Raiders), Marcus Carroll (Missouri Tigers), RJ Harvey (UCF Knights) and Damian Martinez (Miami Hurricanes).

Croskey-Merritt is poised to capitalize on his career-best 2023 season as he gears up for the Wildcats’ home opener against his former team, the Lobos, on Aug 31. His inclusion as a preseason candidate for the Doak Walker Award highlights his exceptional talent and impact out of the backfield. All eyes are on No. 1 as he continues to deliver outstanding performances that have defined his colliegant career thus far, making him a player to watch this season.

Stay tuned to College Football Dawgs for continued reporting on the Arizona Wildcats, the leading candidates for the Doak Walker Award and other exciting college football news.