Doak Walker Award watch list 2017: 5 favorites to win
By John Buhler
Phillip Lindsay
Running Back, Colorado Buffaloes
2016 was a tremendous season for the Colorado Buffaloes football program. Head coach Mike MacIntyre saw his Buffaloes go 10-4 and win the Pac-12 South. It was the first great season in close to a decade for the Buffaloes. A big reason for that was the great ground game of junior running back Phillip Lindsay.
Lindsay had the numbers to go pro after 2016 with 1,252 rushing yards on 244 carries for 16 touchdowns. However, he is only 5-foot-8 and 190 pounds. His physical measurements would have certainly knocked him back to a day three selection or he may have even gone undrafted. Nevertheless, Lindsay returns for his senior season in Boulder. Colorado should expect a sensational season from the senior tailback.
What makes Lindsay such a great player is that he is a ruthless competitor that fights for the extra yard. He is one of those players that doesn’t have to come off the field in obvious passing situations. Lindsay has 94 career receptions for 827 yards and two touchdowns in the passing game. Look for him to help bring along first-year starting quarterback Steven Montez this fall.
Colorado may not be as strong of a team it was a year ago. Playing in the same Pac-12 South with an on-the-rise blue blood in the USC Trojans doesn’t help. However, The Buffaloes should one of the best and most productive tailbacks in the country in Lindsay. If they get back to the Pac-12 Championship, he is the reason for it.