Oregon Ducks running back LaMichael James was named a Doak Walker Award finalist on Monday, according to an ESPN report. The award, which is presented to the best running back in the country each year, has been a college football staple 1990. James won the award last year and could become the first repeat winner since Darren McFadden (2006-2007).
James' numbers are down slightly from last year's totals of 1,731 yards and 21 touchdowns. He has missed two games this season but has still recorded impressive totals of 1,285 yards and 13 touchdowns. While his overall stats are down from a year ago, he has proven to be a much more efficient runner this season (7.4 yards per carry in 2011 vs. 5.9 yards per carry in 2010).
The other two finalists are Wisconsin's Montee Ball and Alabama's Trent Richardson. Ball has recorded 1,466 yards and 25 touchdowns this season while Richardson has recorded 1,380 yards and 20 touchdowns. The winner will be announced live via The Home Depot College Football Awards, which will be broadcast on ESPN on Dec. 8th.