Tennessee Running Backs Eye Doak Walker Glory: Can They Defy the Odds This Season?

Redshirt sophomore DeSean Bishop and senior transfer Star Thomas were on the list for the award, which is given to the best running back in college football.The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name 10 semifinalists in November. The recipient of the award will be determined in December. A winner will be announced Dec. 12 on the Home Depot College Football Awards show.You know, it’s pretty electrifying when two Tennessee running backs snag a spot on the Doak Walker Award preseason watch list—a nod reserved for the cream of the collegiate crop. This year, DeSean Bishop, the redshirt sophomore with a knack for slicing through defenses, teams up with Star Thomas, a seasoned transfer with grit honed across multiple programs. Tennessee isn’t just lucky; they’re among a select few schools boasting multiple nominees, a testament to their burgeoning backfield depth. Bishop, fresh outta Karns High in Knoxville, turned heads last season with a standout 6.15 yards per carry, while Thomas brings a wealth of experience from Coffeyville to Duke and New Mexico State, racking up impressive yardage and touchdowns. As the season gears up, the spotlight sharpens, with semifinalists named in November and the ultimate winner crowned come December. Intrigued? Dive into the full rundown here: LEARN MOREFollow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).Tennessee is one of four schools to have multiple players nominated for the award, which is named in honor of All-American running back Doak Walker.

Two Tennessee running backs have been named to the Doak Walker Award preseason watch list.

Thomas, a native of Homer, Louisiana, previously played at Coffeyville Community College, Duke and New Mexico State. He has appeared in 40 FBS games with the Blue Devils and Aggies. Thomas has totaled 2,044 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 433 attempts. He also recorded 54 career receptions for 504 yards and six touchdowns.Bishop, a graduate of Karns High School (Knoxville, Tennessee), played in nine games last season and finished third in the SEC in yards per carry (6.15). He totaled 455 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 74 attempts.