Oklahoma had several players placed o preseason award watch lists this summer. Dillon Gabriel, Luke Elzinga, Ethan Downs, and Danny Stutsman have each been featured as players to watch this fall. They add to that total as sophomore running back Jovantae Barnes was named to the Doak Walker Award watch list.
The Doak Walker Award was created in 1989 to honor the nation’s most outstanding collegiate running back. The award recognizes a football player’s performance and achievements in the community and the classroom.
.@vontaeeb named to the 2023 @DoakWalkerAward watch list https://t.co/QGHHX7RpB1 | #OUDNA pic.twitter.com/aWyjVxcteb
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) August 9, 2023
Barbes was a consensus four-star recruit out of Nevada, and in his first year on campus, he made his presence felt. He played in 11 games and carried the ball 116 times for 519 rushing yards (4.5 yards per carry) and five touchdowns. He figures to be a foundational aspect of Oklahoma’s offensive attack this season, along with fellow sophomore Gavin Sawchuk.
Under Jeff Lebby, Oklahoma isn’t shy about running the ball and will run you into the dust if you let them. It should allow Barnes to put together some serious numbers with an athletic and powerful offensive line that looks to improve upon last year’s efforts.
Despite its illustrious history, no Sooners running back has ever won the award.
Barnes’ top priority will be to help his Sooners put together a much better season than the 6-7 team he was a part of last year. Any awards that come his way will be because he was at the forefront of Oklahoma’s offensive success, tearing things up on the ground.
His position coach, DeMarco Murray, wanted someone to become a bell cow back for the Sooners. If Barnes can take that on, his path to winning the Doak Walker Award clears up significantly.
[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1366]
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Bryant on Twitter @thatmanbryant.