Line Doak Semifinalist

NickSMU17 · Post by **NickSMU17** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 10:35 am

http://smumustangs.cstv.com/sports/m-fo ... 11aaa.html

Nov. 11, 2011

DALLAS (SMU) - SMU junior running back Zach Line has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the 2011 Doak Walker Award, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors announced today.

Line, a native of Oxford, Mich., leads C-USA in both scoring (11.33 ppg) and rushing (121 ypg), and rates seventh and eighth nationally in the categories, respectively. Line has rushed for 100-plus yards in seven of nine games this season, and has topped the century mark in 12 of the last 16 overall. He has run for 1,089 yards in 2011 and 2,772 yards in his career. With two 1,000+ yard seasons, Line is just the fifth player at SMU with multiple 1,000-yard seasons. He also set a new school record by rushing for five TDs in the win over Northwestern State. He has 17 rushing TDs already in 2011 and is within two of the single-season school record of 19, set by Eric Dickerson in 1981. His 34 career rushing TDs are third all-time at SMU.

The semifinalists (in alphabetical order) are Montee Ball, Jr., Wisconsin, Rex Burkhead, Jr., Nebraska, Ronnie Hillman, So., San Diego State, LaMichael James, Jr., Oregon, Henry Josey, So., Missouri, Zach Line, Jr., SMU, Chris Polk, Jr., Washington, Joseph Randle, So., Oklahoma State, Trent Richardson, Jr., Alabama, and David Wilson, Jr., Virginia Tech.

Line is the only back from a Texas college or Conference USA school to be named to the list.

Members of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast their votes to determine the 2011 finalists. On Monday, November 21, three finalists will be named, and a second vote by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will determine the recipient. The 2011 Doak Walker Award recipient will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 8 on ESPN.

The Award is named after three-time SMU All-America 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.

ponyscott · Post by **ponyscott** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 10:39 am

That would be the absolute best if Zach would/could win this award from SMU, home of the Doak! Lets hope Zach has a few more good games to stack his stats...

mrydel · Post by **mrydel** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 10:45 am

Tough competition. Proud he made it this far. I predict he will make the final cut. Afraid the award will go to Trent Richardson.

ponyte · Post by **ponyte** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 10:52 am

Congrats to Zack and his offensive line. Great accomplishment and good he is receiving the recognition.

SBR Pony · Post by **SBR Pony** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:22 am

When was the last time a Pony won it?

McNastytron · Post by **McNastytron** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:23 am

Congrats to Zach and the Goon Squad. Amazing to think that if he plays/remains healthy for all of next year he will most likely become statistically the greatest back in school history, which is pretty damn impressive considering that this award is named after one of our own. Too bad they probably don't count forced fumbles as a statistic.

mrydel · Post by **mrydel** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:25 am

SBR Pony wrote:When was the last time a Pony won it?

Never. Pretty sure this is our first semifinalist.

mustangxc · Post by **mustangxc** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:30 am

mrydel wrote:
SBR Pony wrote:When was the last time a Pony won it?

Never. Pretty sure this is our first semifinalist.

Rice has scoreboard on us!

ebrooks11 · Post by **ebrooks11** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:44 am

I think Doak Walker won it.

smusic 00 · Post by **smusic 00** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:47 am

Junior · Post by **Junior** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:48 am

great for Zach.

a little trivia, Cy Young never won the Cy Young...

S....M....U · Post by **S....M....U** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 12:23 pm

Congrats Zach!!!!!!

PonyPlayer4 · Post by **PonyPlayer4** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 12:31 pm

Awesome deal! I hope he makes finalist, but I'm afraid that is as far as he would go. Trent Richardson will have a full trophy case after the season.

2ndandlong · Post by **2ndandlong** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 12:35 pm

SBR Pony wrote:When was the last time a Pony won it?

I think Dickerson was awarded the legacy version. Forget what it is called.

2ndandlong · Post by **2ndandlong** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 12:39 pm

It's called the Legends award and James was awarded it at the same time.