Stanford's Stepfan Taylor has been named to the Doak Walker Award watch list, given to the nation's best running back.
If Taylor produces like Cardinal coaches are expecting in the Fall, he has a chance to become the school's all-time leading rusher. Currently, Taylor sits at 2,770 yards rushing for his career -- 1,264 behind Darrin Nelson's career record.
He ran for 1,330 last year, including a career-high 177 yards in the team's 41-38 overtime loss to Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl last season.
“In my opinion we have the best running back in the country,” said offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton at the end of spring practice.
Taylor did not participate in spring drills as the coaching staff took the opportunity to keep him rested and let other backs audition for playing time.
When asked if Taylor could surpass the 2,000-yard mark in 2012, Hamilton said: “Absolutely,” citing how the team’s run-to-pass ratio would sway more towards the run next season as the new quarterback -- Brett Nottingham or Josh Nunes -- develops.
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Fiesta Bowl Postgame Interview with Stepfan Taylor
