Alabama junior running backs Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough have been named to the 2017 Doak Walker Award Watch List announced Thursday by the SMU Athletic Forum.

The two are among 61 running backs from around the country named to the preseason list. Record-setting Alabama running back Derrick Henry was the 2015 honoree while Trent Richardson was the first Tide student-athlete to take home the award in 2011.

Harris rushed 146 times for a team-leading 1,037 yards with two rushing scores, adding 14 catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore. He rushed for 863 yards against the Tide’s 10 ranked opponents a season ago and 58 of his rushes went for a first down or a touchdown. Harris had 18 carries of 12 yards or more and improved as the game wore on, rushing 61 times for 489 yards and two scores in the second halves of games to average 8.0 yards per carry after halftime. He rushed for a career-high 144 yards on 19 carries in Alabama’s 48-43 win over Ole Miss last season, including 115 yards on 10 second-half attempts.

Scarbrough provided a power option in the Crimson Tide backfield as a sophomore. He rushed 109 times for 719 yards and nine rushing scores in 2016 with 42 of his rushes going for a first down or a touchdown. The Northport, Ala., native finished the season with some big performances, rushing 46 times for 364 yards and six touchdowns over his final three contests to average 7.9 yards per carry (SEC Championship, CFP Semifinal and CFP National Championship). Scarbrough earned Offensive MVP honors for his performance in the College Football Playoff Semifinal against Washington, rushing for 180 yards and two touchdowns against the Huskies.

The Doak Walker Award was created in 1989 to recognize the nation’s premier running back for his accomplishments on the field, achievement in the classroom and citizenship in the community. Candidates must be in good academic standing and on schedule to receive their degree. The award is named in honor of 1948 Heisman Trophy winner Doak Walker. The 2017 winner will be announced at the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show in December.

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