University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Frank Gore, Jr. Named 2021 Doak Walker Award Preseason Candidate
7/21/2021 9:19:00 AM | Football
DALLAS - The PwC SMU Athletic Forum released Thursday the preseason candidates for the 2021 Doak Walker Award, including Southern Miss running back Frank Gore, Jr. The Forum annually presents the award to the nation's top college running back.
Gore, Jr., a C-USA second team selection as well as a member of the all-freshman squad a year ago, led the Golden Eagles with 708 yards on the ground on 121 rushes for a 5.9 yard per carry average. During his first season, he posted three 100-yard rushing games, including a career-high 130 yards on 23 carries at North Texas (10/3), 103 yards on 13 carries against North Alabama (11/7) and 111 yards on nine rushes against Florida Atlantic (12/10) in the season finale. The Golden Eagles were 3-0 this season when Gore, Jr., rushed for 100 or more yards.
Gore, Jr., enjoyed the most season rushing yards by a Golden Eagle since Ito Smith collected 1,415 in 2017. He had the most rushing yards of any freshman in C-USA and ranked No. 7 in the league in rushing through the regular season. Over his final two games, Gore, Jr., registered the longest rush of his career of 73 yards against Florida Atlantic for a touchdown and a 51-yard scoring reception against UTSA (11/21) for his longest catch.
The list features 2020 Doak Walker Award finalist Breece Hall from Iowa State. Last season as a sophomore, Hall led the nation in total rushing yards with 1,572 and was a first-team All-America selection. 2020 Doak Walker Award semifinalists Mohammed Ibrahim (Minnesota), Sincere McCormick (UTSA), Isaiah Spiller (Texas A&M) and Kyren Williams (Notre Dame) are all among the list of preseason candidates.
This is the second national award watch list that Gore, Jr., has been named to this week, also garnering a nod from the Maxwell Award, touting the nation's top collegiate player.
The Golden Eagles open the season Saturday, Sept. 4, at South Alabama. Season tickets for the 2021 season can be purchased by going online at SouthernMissTickets.com, by calling 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or 601-266-5418, as well as visiting the Pat Ferlise Ticket Office weekdays during normal business hours.
Gore, Jr., a C-USA second team selection as well as a member of the all-freshman squad a year ago, led the Golden Eagles with 708 yards on the ground on 121 rushes for a 5.9 yard per carry average. During his first season, he posted three 100-yard rushing games, including a career-high 130 yards on 23 carries at North Texas (10/3), 103 yards on 13 carries against North Alabama (11/7) and 111 yards on nine rushes against Florida Atlantic (12/10) in the season finale. The Golden Eagles were 3-0 this season when Gore, Jr., rushed for 100 or more yards.
Gore, Jr., enjoyed the most season rushing yards by a Golden Eagle since Ito Smith collected 1,415 in 2017. He had the most rushing yards of any freshman in C-USA and ranked No. 7 in the league in rushing through the regular season. Over his final two games, Gore, Jr., registered the longest rush of his career of 73 yards against Florida Atlantic for a touchdown and a 51-yard scoring reception against UTSA (11/21) for his longest catch.
The list features 2020 Doak Walker Award finalist Breece Hall from Iowa State. Last season as a sophomore, Hall led the nation in total rushing yards with 1,572 and was a first-team All-America selection. 2020 Doak Walker Award semifinalists Mohammed Ibrahim (Minnesota), Sincere McCormick (UTSA), Isaiah Spiller (Texas A&M) and Kyren Williams (Notre Dame) are all among the list of preseason candidates.
This is the second national award watch list that Gore, Jr., has been named to this week, also garnering a nod from the Maxwell Award, touting the nation's top collegiate player.
The Golden Eagles open the season Saturday, Sept. 4, at South Alabama. Season tickets for the 2021 season can be purchased by going online at SouthernMissTickets.com, by calling 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or 601-266-5418, as well as visiting the Pat Ferlise Ticket Office weekdays during normal business hours.
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Football2025 Bowl Practice Press Conference
Wednesday, December 10
Charles Huff 2026 Early Signing Day Press Conference
Wednesday, December 03
South Alabama Tuesday Press
Wednesday, November 19
Southern Miss - Texas State Postgame Presser
Sunday, November 16