Wins the Doak Walker Award
The Doak Walker Award goes to the nation’s most outstanding running back each year. Named after the former Heisman Trophy-winning running back from SMU who went on to have a Hall of Fame career in the NFL, the award dates back to 1990.
Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor won the Doak Walker Award in each of the last two seasons, becoming the third player in history to do so. He became the third running back in school history to claim the accolade. However, behind an explosive offense, Travis Etienne could become the first back in Clemson’s history to win the award.
Etienne’s pathway to the Doak Walker Award isn’t entirely clear of challengers. Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard joined Taylor as a Consensus All-American last year. Etienne hasn’t earned that recognition yet. Hubbard also led the NCAA with 2,094 rushing yards and finished eighth in the Heisman voting.
Etienne holds an advantage over Hubbard. Surrounded by future NFL players, Etienne’s supporting cast is almost unmatched. He’s also a more efficient running back than Hubbard.
In 2019, Etienne produced 19 touchdowns and 1,614 yards on 207 carries (7.8 yards per attempt). In comparison, Hubbard reached 21 touchdowns and 2,094 yards on 328 carries (6.4 yards per attempt). Based on averages, if Etienne matched Hubbard’s carry total, he’d produce 30 touchdowns and 2,558 yards.
Etienne also plays a larger role in Clemson’s passing game than Hubbard does at Oklahoma State. Etienne more than doubled Hubbard’s receiving totals in 2019. Combined with his superior efficiency, Etienne’s role in the passing game gives him an edge over Hubbard for the Doak Walker Award.
