The Wisconsin Badgers have a long history of producing record-setting runners and winning awards. The Doak Walker Award is presented annually to the best runners in the country, and this year, presuming Wisconsin starts to run, Nakia Watson entered the watch list.
In the past eight seasons, a Wisconsin running back has won this award four times. Jonathan Taylor did it twice, Melvin Gordon did it once just like Montee Ball. In fact, the Badgers have won the Doak Walker the majority of the time (five, with Ron Dayne in 1999 completing the group) of any school in the country since it was first awarded in 1990.
After a red jersey season in 2018, the Austin, Texas native played in all 14 games in 2019 and recorded 74 carries for 331 yards and two touchdowns while backing up Taylor. He is one of the top candidates to take on the starting role in 2020, although running coach John Settle has mentioned that this year he may be taking a “committee” approach on the field.
This is an impressive honor for Watson considering that so far he doesn’t have much experience under his belt in the B1G. But, being a broker for Wisconsin brings a level of respect that few other programs can match. Taylor will definitely have his eyes on Watson this season.
