Michigan State’s star junior running back Kenneth Walker III was left off of the Heisman finalist list despite his strong case over the regular season.
Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Pittsburgh's quarterback Kenny Pickett, Alabama's quarterback Bryce young and Ohio State's CJ Stroud were selected over Walker.
The junior transfer from Wake Forest grabbed national attention right away with a 75-yard touchdown run on the first snap of the season and never slowed down. Walker leads 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. Additionally, Walker ranks in the top-10 in carries, yards from scrimmage, all-purpose yards, total touchdowns, rushing touchdowns and points per game.
Walker was named a finalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year and was also awarded Big Ten Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year in addition to being named unanimously to the First-Team All-Big Ten Team.
Few running backs have won the prestigious award, with Alabama’s Derrick Henry being the last in 2015. Henry won the award rushing for 1,986 yards and 23 touchdowns, but he did so on 339 carries compared to Walker’s 263.
Only four MSU players have finished in the top-four, with running back Lorenzo White finishing in fourth place in 1987. Walker could not break the streak.
The winner will be announced Saturday evening.
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