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Kenneth Walker III wins Doak Walker Award; named Walter Camp Player of the Year

December 9, 2021
Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III (9) turns towards the crowd during Michigan State's loss to Ohio State on Nov. 20, 2021.
Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III (9) turns towards the crowd during Michigan State's loss to Ohio State on Nov. 20, 2021. —
Photo by Rahmya Trewern | The State News

Kenneth Walker III has won the Doak Walker Award, annually given to the country’s best running back. Walker is the first running back in Michigan State history to win the award in its 31-year history.

Walker also won the Walter Camp Player of the Year award, annually given to the nation's best player by the Walter Camp Football Foundation.

After transferring to MSU from Wake Forest last offseason, Walker took the nation by storm from his opening 75-yard touchdown run on the first play of the season to his 138-yard, one-touchdown performance while playing with the flu against Penn State. 

Walker finished the regular season leading the country in yards after contact with 1,168, missed forced tackles with 89 and 20-plus yard carries with 21. He also ranks second in the country in rushing yards with 1,636, rushing yards per game with 136.3 and is tied for second in carries over 10-plus yards with 46. 

Walker’s outstanding season powered a remarkable turnaround for MSU. After finishing 2-5 last year, MSU is 10-2 this year and playing in the Peach Bowl thanks in large part to Walker’s historic season.

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