Carr a candidate for Doak Walker Award

Southern California transfer Stephen Carr is hoping a fresh start at Indiana will lead to a big season in the Hoosiers’ backfield. The Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee certainly thinks it's possible, naming Carr among 82 ball carriers who could be in contention for the title of America’s top running back.

Carr, who announced his transfer to IU in May, rushed for 1,329 yards on 264 carries with 12 scores in 35 games, including six starts for the Trojans during his four seasons with the program. At IU, he’ll be reunited with former USC position coach Deland McCullough, who returned to Bloomington in February for a second stint leading the running backs.

Carr is a former five-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 3 back in the 2017 recruiting cycle. He’ll compete with returnees Sampson James, Tim Baldwin and David Ellis for carries as the season unfolds.

Ten semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award will be named in November.

Carr is the fifth IU player to be named to a preseason watch list. Here’s the full rundown:

Doak Walker: Stephen Carr

Davey O’Brien: Michael Penix

Bednarik: Micah McFadden, Tiawan Mullen

Maxwell: Ty Fryfogle, Michael Penix

Dodd Trophy: Tom Allen