UTEP RB Aaron Jones a preseason Doak Walker favorite
EL PASO – UTEP running back Aaron Jones was named to the 2016 Doak Walker Award Watch List on Thursday.
The award is presented annually to the nation’s top college running back. This is the second straight year that the junior garners recognition on the watch list.
The El Paso native currently ranks eighth on the program’s all-time rushing list with 2,341-career rushing yards and has scored 20 total touchdowns in 23-career games.
Last season, Jones started the first two games before a season ending injury. In the first half versus Texas Tech, he gained 139 rushing yards on 17 carries, including a program best 91-yard touchdown rush and added a 24-yard touchdown reception.
The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name ten semifinalists on November 16, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast votes to determine the three finalists, who will be announced on Nov. 22. The committee will cast a second vote beginning Nov. 28 to determine the recipient.
The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives.
The recipient of the 2016 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, Dec. 8, on ESPN. The Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet will be held in Dallas in early 2017.
UTEP will open the season on Sept. 3 at home versus I-10 rival NM State. Season tickets are on sale now for the Miners’ seven-game home schedule, which features a matchup with Army on Sept. 17. The UTEP season ticket office phone number is (915) 747-6150.
