Auburn’s Kam Martin makes Doak Walker Award watch list

Kam Martin A-Day

Kam Martin Auburn Football A-Day on Saturday, April 13, 2019 in Auburn, Ala. Todd Van Emst/AU AthleticTodd Van Emst/AU Athletics

Auburn senior Kam Martin was named to the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award on Wednesday, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced.

Martin is one of 72 players from across the country named to the watch list for the award, which is given annually to the nation’s top running back. The list is led by last year’s winner, Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor, and includes 10 other running backs from within the SEC.

As a junior in 2018, Martin rushed for 458 yards and a touchdown on 103 carries. He was the Tigers’ second-leading rusher behind then-redshirt freshman Boobee Whitlow, who ran for 787 yards and six touchdowns on 150 carries. Whitlow was not among the 72 running backs named to the preseason watch list on Wednesday.

Players on the watch list were nominated by their school’s athletic department, and more nominees can be added to the list through October. After that, 10 semifinalists will be named in November, with three finalists -- as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee -- will be announced Nov. 20.

This year’s recipient of the Doak Walker Award will be announced Dec. 12 during the Home Depot College Football Awards Show, which will air on ESPN.

Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde.

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