The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Benson honored with Doak Walker Award
02.15.2005 | Football
DALLAS -- Texas RB Cedric Benson was officially presented with the Doak Walker Award, honoring him as the nation's top running back, by the SMU Athletic Forum on Tuesday night at a banquet at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas. Benson is the second player in UT history to earn the honor, joining Ricky Williams, who won the award twice (1997-98).
"I'm really excited that everyone at the Doak Walker Award felt I was worthy of winning their great honor," Benson said. "It's a rewarding tribute to all of the hard work that I've put in during my career and is definitely something all of my teammates deserve just as much credit for. They have cleared the way for any success I've had and come together to help us have a great season."
Benson rushed for 5,540 yards (No. 6 in NCAA history) and 64 TDs (No. 3 in NCAA history) during his career. He also became just the fifth player in NCAA history to rush for 1,000 yards in four consecutive seasons during that time. Last season, Benson ran for 1,834 yards (No. 3 on UT's single-season list) and 19 TDs (No. 4 on UT's single-season) on 326 carries.
Earlier in the day, Benson visited patients at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and signed autographs. The TSRHC is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions and learning disorders, such as dyslexia.
The Doak Walker 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 as a rookie led the league in scoring. 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. The SMU Athletic Forum has been giving out this award for sixteen years to honor the legends of sports and outstanding success in athletics.
