HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i running back/wide receiver Calvin Turner Jr.  was selected to the Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List announced by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum. The award is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate running back.
  
The Savannah, Ga., native was one of the most dynamic players in the Mountain West players in 2020 while lining up at a multitude of positions, including in the backfield. Turner recorded 60 carries for 331 yards and a team-best 5.5 yards per carry. He scored four touchdowns on the ground during last year's abbreviated schedule, including a pair of scores in UH's season-opening win at Fresno State.  
 
Turner is among a group of nearly 80 candidates, highlighted by 2020 finalist Breece Hall of Iowa State who led the nation in total rushing yards last season. Other Mountain West running backs on the list include George Holani (Boise State), Ronnie Rivers (Fresno State), and Xazavian Valladay (Wyoming).

The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name 10 semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives.
 
The recipient of the 2021 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards.
 
The award is named for SMU's three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. It is the only major collegiate award that requires all candidates to be in good academic standing and on schedule to graduate within one year of other students of the same classification.