Darren McFadden Named 2006 Doak Walker Award Recipient

ORLANDO, FL - The Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum announced Darren McFadden from the University of Arkansas as the recipient of the 2006 Doak Walker Award this evening at ESPN`s The Home Depot College Football Awards. McFadden, a Little Rock native, is the first sophomore to win the award. In 2006, the all-purpose threat accounted for 18 touchdowns rushing, receiving and passing. He led the SEC with 1,558 rushing yards, setting the Arkansas single-season rushing record. "He`s as big and fast as two of the greatest, Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson. He`s reminiscent of Doak Walker in that he runs, catches, AND passes. Now, I`m anxious to see him punt and place-kick," said CBS` Verne Lundquist, a member of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee. McFadden will receive the award at the Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet on Thursday, February 15, in Dallas. Also honored that evening will be the late Walter Payton, former Jackson State and Chicago Bear great, recipient of the 2006 PricewaterhouseCoopers Doak Walker Legends Award. The award is named after three-time SMU All-American running back and 1948 Heisman Trophy winner Doak Walker. The versatile Walker, who also punted, returned kicks and kicked extra points, led the Mustangs to two Southwest Conference Championships and brought the school into the national spotlight. Walker was drafted by the Detroit Lions and led the league in scoring his rookie year. During his six years with the Lions, he led the team to two NFL championships and was chosen All-Pro four times. Walker is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. Ballots for the Doak Walker Award are tabulated by the independent accounting firm of Osborn, Kosanda & Company, PLLC.