Joel Klatt names Ahmad Hardy the midseason leader for Doak Walker Award
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As we reach the midpoint of the college football season, it’s time to spotlight not just the programs vying for supremacy but also the standout athletes who drive their teams forward. FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt recently named his top five contenders for the prestigious Doak Walker Award, which honors the best running back in college football each year. So, who made Klatt’s cut?
- Justice Haynes, Michigan: 95 carries for 705 yards and 8 touchdowns.
- Waymond Jordan, USC: 88 carries for 576 yards and 5 touchdowns.
- Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame: 100 carries for 530 yards and 8 touchdowns; plus, he has contributed with 14 catches for an additional 160 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- Jonah Coleman, Washington: 96 carries for 518 yards and an impressive 11 touchdowns; he also caught 20 passes for 243 yards and added another touchdown.
However, it’s Missouri‘s Ahmad Hardy who stands out as Klatt’s frontrunner in this midseason race. With a remarkable resume of 115 carries for 782 yards and 9 touchdown, Hardy has been a force to reckon with on the field. He recorded five consecutive games with over 100 rushing yards before facing off against Alabama in a nail-biting contest that tested his mettle. Notably, he has reached the end zone three times in a single game on two occasions this season—if he maintains this momentum, he could soon hit double digits in touchdowns.
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Klatt shared his thoughts on why Hardy is leading the charge.
“Ahmad Hardy at Missouri, been tremendous. Hardy leads the Power Four in rushing in his first season at Missouri. He’s got five straight 100-yard games before that ‘Bama game,” Klatt said. ” … This is the type of guy, though, that allows them to be balanced with Beau Pribula.”
As Hardy looks to keep No.16 Missouri firmly in contention, they will face off against Hugh Freeze’s Auburn team on The Plains this weekend—where Missouri is favored by just -1.5 points! Kickoff is set for 7:45 p.m. ET from Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
