Line Named 2011 Doak Walker Award Semifinalist

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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.

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