Rutgers junior running back Kyle Monangai was one of six running backs recognized nationally for the Doak Walker Award based on their Week 3 performance. The Doak Walker Award is awarded to the nation’s top running back each week, with the winner being selected by a 20-person committee based on their weekly performance.
Florida running back Trevor Etienne was the award winner for Week 3, with Jonathon Brooks (Texas), Tajh Brooks (Texas Tech), Audric Estimé (Notre Dame), Kyle Monangai (Rutgers), and Nate Noel (App State) being other strong candidates. Etienne rushed for a career-high 172 yards on 23 carriers and scored one touchdown as the Gators upset No. 11 Tennessee, 29-16.
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Monangai, the Big Ten’s leading rusher (357 yards overall), was a strong candidate for the award after recording 143 yards and three touchdowns in Rutgers’ 35-16 victory over Virginia Tech. The junior running back averaged 8.9 yards per carry, logging the second-straight week with 100+ rushing yards.
Monangai Recognized Nationally by Doak Walker Award https://t.co/9LoqTJCEnU
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) September 19, 2023
The Roseland, New Jersey, native leads the league with 126.7 all-purpose yards per game heading into Week 4, marking the first time a Scarlet Knight has topped 100 rushing yards in consecutive games since 2016.
Monangai is ranked second in the Big Ten Conference with five touchdowns, scoring touchdowns in three consecutive weeks. The last Scarlet Knight to record a rushing touchdown in the first three games was Ray Rice (eight total) in 2007.
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Also, Monangai received the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Week award on Monday as he prepares to face No. 2 Michigan (3-0, 0-0 Big Ten) in Rutgers’ Week 4 matchup.