James Sims Named 2013 Doak Walker Award Candidate
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas senior halfback James Sims’ was featured on the list of 2013 Doak Walker Award candidates released by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum Thursday morning. Sims, who is the Big 12 Conference’s top returning rusher heading into the 2013 season, is in the field of candidates for the award that honors the nation’s top college running back.
A native of Irving, Texas, Sims became just the 11th player in Kansas history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season as he turned in 1,013 yards on the ground and nine touchdowns in 2012 despite missing the first three games of the season. He set a KU record by recording 100 or more yards in six consecutive games.
Sims, who led the Big 12 in rushing and ranked 18th in the NCAA in 2012, recorded a career long rush of 64 yards (vs. Texas), a career-long reception of 51 yards (vs. Oklahoma) and a career-long TD run of 59 yards (vs. Baylor). Additionally, he logged his career-best rushing game with 176 yards vs. Texas. He finished his junior campaign ranked eighth on the Kansas all-time rushing chart with 2,482 yards.
Sims, who hauled in 14 receptions for 168 yards and a touchdown, concluded his outstanding 2012 season by finding his name on numerous All-Big 12 teams including picking up first team honors from ESPN.com, Phil Steele Magazine and CBS Sports. He earned second team All-Big 12 honors from the conference office, the Associated Press and the San Antonio Express News.
The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name the semifinalists on November 14, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast votes to determine the finalists, who will be announced on November 25. The committee will cast a second vote beginning on December 2 to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives.
The recipient of the 2013 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 12, on ESPN. The Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet will be held in Dallas, Texas, in February 2013.
The award, in its 24nd year, is named for SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. It is the only major collegiate award that requires all candidates to be in good academic standing and on schedule to graduate within one year of other students of the same classification.
Sims and his KU teammates will report for fall camp on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Kansas will open the 2013 season on Saturday, Sept. 7, when it plays host to South Dakota at Memorial Stadium at 6 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 800-34-HAWKS or by visiting the Kansas ticket office at KUAthletics.com.
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