It’s about time UConn Huskies running back Donald Brown got a little national recognition.

Donald Brown, UConn running back

Donald Brown

Brown was named 1 of 10 semifinalists for the 2008 Doak Walker Award which is given to the top running back in the country.  The award is presented by The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum.

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

The 2008 Doak Walker finalists will be named on November 24th and the winner will be announced during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on December 11th.

Brown currently leads the country averaging 156.22 yards a game and has rushed for 1,406 yards and 15 touchdowns. He is also one of the semifinalists for the Maxwell Award which is given to the top college football player in the land.

Here are the semifinalists:

  • Donald Brown (Jr.), Connecticut
  • Glen Coffee (Jr.), Alabama
  • Tyrell Fenroy (Sr.), Louisiana-Lafayette
  • Shonn Greene (Jr.), Iowa
  • Kendall Hunter (So.), Oklahoma State
  • LeSean McCoy (So.), Pittsburgh
  • Knowshon Moreno (So.), Georgia
  • Javon Ringer (Sr.), Michigan State
  • Jacquizz Rodgers (Fr.), Oregon State
  • Evan Royster (So.), Penn State