MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis running backs Greg Desrosiers Jr. and Sutton Smith have been named as preseason candidates for the 2025 Doak Walker Award, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced. The Forum annually presents the award to the nation’s most outstanding college running back.
Desrosiers Jr., a redshirt senior out of Lawrence, Mass., appeared in eight games for the Tigers last season while ranking third on the team in rushing attempts (31) and net yardage (228). In his breakout performance of the season, Desrosiers Jr. ran for 41 yards and caught eight passes for 84 yards with three touchdowns (1 rush, 2 rec) in the team’s 34-24 win over No. 17 Tulane.
Smith, a redshirt junior from Powder Springs, Ga., appeared in one game for Memphis before a season-ending injury last year. During the 2023 season, Smith appeared in all 13 games for the Tigers rushing 63 times for 305 yards with two touchdowns while adding in 18 receptions for 152 yards and another two scores. He had a season-high 115 yards on the ground on 18 carries and two touchdowns against Bethune-Cookman.
The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name ten semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will also be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives. The recipient of the 2025 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12, 2025.
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