Kevin Harris of South Carolina football deserves a place on the Doak Walker award list.
The Doak Walker Award is given annually to the best running back in the country and, on Monday afternoon, the 10 semifinalists for the 2020 trophy were announced. There was a name blatantly missing from the list. And the statistics really tell the story.
Kevin Harris of South Carolina, the SEC’s top rusher, was nowhere to be seen. Harris, who ranks third nationally with 1,138 yards on the ground and fifth in the country with 15 touchdowns scored, while competing against all SEC defenses, was somehow not considered one of the best players in the position in 2020.
The second year averaged 6.2 yards per transport, which takes ALL running backs with at least 150 loads, and it will be a new school record. He scored two games of 200 yards, five games of at least 100 yards and scored a touchdown in all but two competitions. The Georgia native also recorded 21 receptions for 159 yards and a score, showing his versatility.
Obviously, the fact that he was on a two-win team was the deciding factor, as there is absolutely no other explanation for why he was left out of the list. But should that really influence voters?
It can be argued that this makes your case even stronger. Harris did not get the help that some of the other “stars” on the list can afford to play with. Gamecocks struggled with injuries and gave up as a receiver, went through a quarterback change in the middle of the year and ended with the country’s 99th attack.
Still, Harris remained a constant presence in the defense field of South Carolina. It appears that this award needs a complete overhaul, as it has become more of a popularity contest than a recognition based on merit.
Kevin Harris deserves a seat at the table.