Multiple Irish Players, Brian Kelly Join Preseason Award Watch Lists

Nov 22, 2014; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Tarean Folston (25) rushes the ball against Louisville Cardinals safety James Sample (2) during the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. The Louisville Cardinals defeat Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Doak Walker Award – Tarean Folston – Running back

The Walker award goes out to the best running back in the country. Folston definitely has the potential to be just that. Behind an offensive line that finished the season on a strong note in terms of running the ball, Folston is ready to be the featured back from the start of the season and take off with it. Greg Bryant’s four game suspension should help out with the number of carries Folston gets early on in the season pending C.J Prosise or true freshman Dexter Williams have a breakout performance early in the season that would end up giving Folston significantly less carries. The rising junior finished last season with 889 yards on 175 carries and scored six times. It’s important to note that Folston finished four of the final seven contests with 100-yard plus games.