Michigan's Fitz Toussaint named to watch list for Doak Walker Award, given to nation's top running back

By Pete Cunningham Sports Director

Posted on Thu, Jul 19, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.

On Thursday, Fitz Toussaint (28) was announced as a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation's most outstanding running back.

Joseph Tobianski | AnnArbor.com

Related article: With poll: Will Fitz Toussaint become the 6th Wolverines tailback to rush for 1,600 yards?

Michigan's Fitz Toussaint stated this spring that he plans on rushing for at least 1,600 yards in 2012.

Toussaint is apparently not the only one who thinks 2012 season could be a big season for the junior running back, who was announced as a candidate for the Doak Walker Award on Thursday. The award is annually awarded to the nation's top college running back.

Toussaint is one of 52 candidates along with fellow Big Ten backs Le'Von Bell (Michigan State), Jordan Hall (Ohio State), James White (Wisconsin) and Montee Ball (Wisconsin) who was a candidate in 2011 and led the nation in rushing yards and scoring last season.

Semifinalists for the award will be announced Nov. 9, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast votes to determine three finalists and announce them on Nov. 19. The committee will cast a second vote beginning on Nov. 26 to determine the recipient.

During his breakout sophomore season, Toussaint rushed for 1,041 yards and nine touchdowns. After battling injuries during the early parts of the season, Toussaint had 112 carries for 678 yards in his final five regular season games. He also had one receiving touchdown on the year.

Last week, Toussaint was also announced as a candidate for the Maxwell Award, given to the nation's most outstanding player.

Alabama's Trent Richardson won the Doak Walker Award in 2011 after rushing for 1,583 yards and 20 touchdowns and accounting for 327 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver.

The last Michigan running back to win the award was Chris Perry in 2003 when he rushed for 1,589 yards and had 366 yards receiving.

Other Michigan players to appear on watch lists this summer:

Denard Robinson (Davey O'Brien Award for best quarterback)
Brendan Gibbons (Lou Groza Award for best kicker)
Jordan Kovacs (Bronko Nagurski Trophy for best defender)
Taylor Lewan (Rotary Lombardi Award for best lineman/linebacker, Outland Trophy for best tackle/guard/center)
Roy Roundtree (Biletnikoff Award for top receiver)
Denard Robinson (Maxwell Award for most outstanding player)