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BYU running backs Jamaal Williams and Michael Alisa are among 63 nominees for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation's premier running back. Alisa is a repeat inclusion from 2012, while Williams is a first-time nominee.
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A senior in 2013, Alisa started five games in 2012 before suffering a broken forearm against Hawaii; he returned for spot duty in BYU's bowl game. On the year, he finished with 58 carries for 222 yards and a touchdown, adding 23 receiving yards on six receptions.
After Alisa's injury, Williams assumed the starter's role, and made an immediate impact, rushing for a team-high 775 yards on 166 carries, with 12 touchdowns; he caught 27 passes for 315 yards and a score.
Williams set BYU's true freshman records for carries, yards and touchdowns in 2012. Highlights included a 155-yard rushing day against Hawaii, and a four-touchdown performance at Georgia Tech.
Williams and Alisa are the eighth and ninth BYU players named to preseason award watch lists; the 2012 team featured eight award nominees.
Only one major preseason award watch list is yet to be released; the Walter Camp Award (nation's most outstanding player) nominee roster comes out on Friday.
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BYU Football Players on 2013 Preseason Award Watch Lists
Player | Position | Award | Recognition | No. of nominees | Semifinalists | Finalists | Winner | Sponsoring Organization |
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JD Falslev | WR/KR | Paul Hornung Award | Most Versatile Player in Major College Football | 44 | N/A | December 2013 | January 2014 | Louisville Sports Commission |
Kyle Van Noy | LB | Chuck Bednarik Award | College Defensive Player of the Year | 75 | Oct. 29 | Nov.25 | Dec.12 | Maxwell Football Club |
Kyle Van Noy | LB | Bronko Nagurski Trophy | Most Outstanding Defensive Player | 81 | N/A | Nov. 21 | Dec.9 | Charlotte Touchdown Club |
Kyle Van Noy | LB | Butkus Award | Nation's Best Linebacker | 51 | Oct. 28 | Nov. 26 | Dec. 7 | Butkus Foundation |
Kyle Van Noy | LB | Rotary Lombardi Award | College Lineman/Linebacker of the Year | 107 | Nov.7 | Nov.21 | Dec.11 | Rotary Club of Houston |
Kaneakua Friel | TE | John Mackey Award | Most Outstanding Tight End | 37 | Nov. 18 | Nov. 25 | Dec. 12 | Friends of John Mackey |
Eathyn Manumaleuna | DL | Outland Trophy | Most Outstanding Interior Lineman | 75 | N/A | Nov. 25 | Dec. 12 | Football Writers Association of America |
Uani Unga | LB | Rotary Lombardi Award | College Lineman/Linebacker of the Year | 107 | Nov.7 | Nov.21 | Dec.11 | Rotary Club of Houston |
Spencer Hadley | LB | Rotary Lombardi Award | College Lineman/Linebacker of the Year | 107 | Nov.7 | Nov.21 | Dec.11 | Rotary Club of Houston |
Cody Hoffman | WR | Biletnikoff Award | Outstanding College Receiver | 75 | Nov. 18 | Nov. 25 | Dec.12 | Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation |
Jamaal Williams | RB | Doak Walker Award | Nation's Premier Running Back | 63 | Nov. 14 | Nov. 25 | Dec. 12 | PwC SMU Athletic Forum |
Michael Alisa | RB | Doak Walker Award | Nation's Premier Running Back | 63 | Nov. 14 | Nov. 25 | Dec. 12 | PwC SMU Athletic Forum |
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Photo: Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News
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