Ross Named Doak Walker Award Candidate

DALLAS, Texas ? Nebraska senior I-back Cory Ross was named one of 47 candidates for the 2005 Doak Walker Award Thursday, announced by the SMU Athletic Forum. The award is presented annually to college football’s top running back.

The award, in its 16th 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.

Ross returns for his senior season after experiencing a breakout 2004 campaign that saw him earn second-team All-Big 12 and Team Offensive MVP honors. The Denver, Colo., native was the Huskers’ most dependable offensive weapon last season and finished the year with 1,102 yards rushing and six rushing touchdowns, along with a pair of receiving scores. He became the first NU I-back to top 1,000 yards since 2001, while the effort was the 27th 1,000-yard effort and 18th-most productive single-season rushing total in school history.

Ross is one of five Big 12 running backs among the field. Also included on the list of nominees are Taurean Henderson (Texas Tech), Courtney Lewis (Texas A&M), Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma) and Lawrence Vickers (Colorado). Former Texas running back Cedric Benson won the honor last season.

For more information on the 2005 Doak Walker Award, visit www.doakwalkeraward.com.

Nebraska opens the 2005 season Saturday, Sept. 3, with a 6:10 p.m. game against Maine. The matchup will be televised on a pay-per-view basis. Check with your local cable or satellite provider for more information.