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Just moments ago, Arizona State senior running back Cameron Marshall was named to the Doak Walker Award watch list, the annual honor given to the nation's best running back.
Heading into his final season in maroon and gold, Marshall ranks amongst the greatest rushers in the country, and last week earned a spot on the Maxwell Award watch list, given each season to the nation's best collegiate player.
Marshall is well deserving of this nomination, posting video game-like numbers in his junior campaign. Over the course of the 2011 season, Marshall ran for 1,050 yards and tied the single-season school record with 18 touchdowns. Barring injury, those stats could increase, as ASU is more committed to the running game with a new offensive system and a quarterback situation in flux.
Standing in at 5'11" and 223 pounds, Marshall is extremely difficult to tackle. He possesses great strength and a low center of gravity, often requiring two or more defenders to take him down. Despite being a "power back", Marshall hits the holes in defenses quickly. Marshall has impressed fans with his deceptive shiftiness. In 2010 and 2011, Marshall was selected as an honorable mention performer in the Pac-12. Expectations are much higher this season, as he is an early favorite for 1st team all Pac-12.
On the all-time Sun Devil rankings, Marshall has already made his mark, tying a school record for rushing touchdowns in a season with 18. This accomplishment puts Marshall in prime position to score the most career rushing touchdowns in ASU history, a record currently held by Woody Green at 39. With 29 rushing touchdowns in his career, Marshall is only 11 scores away from setting that impressive record.
Another cool stat worthy of noting: Marshall has the 12th most career rushing yards at ASU, with a legitimate opportunity to crack the top five.
Previous Doak Walker award winners include Trent Richardson, LaMichael James and Toby Gerhart. Marshall is aiming to become the first ASU player to win the trophy.
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