Kenneth Walker III closed his college career with an award-winning season and is in the running to kick off his professional debut with more hardware.
The former Michigan State All-American and Seattle Seahawks running back was named Wednesday as one of three finalists for The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. The other finalists are 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and Jets receiver Garrett Wilson and the winner will be announced Feb. 9.
Despite missing two games due to injury, Walker led all rookies with 1,050 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 228 carries and also had 27 receptions for 165 yards while helping Seattle to a spot in the playoffs. He topped 100 yards rushing in five games – including each of the last three in the regular season – and was named the Offensive Rookie of the Month in October.
Wilson, a former Ohio State star, led all rookies with 1,103 receiving yards on 83 catches and had four touchdowns. Purdy, who San Francisco selected with the final pick in the draft, moved from third string to starter due to injuries, posted a 5-0 record to close the regular season and has helped the 49ers to a spot in the NFC Championship.
After two seasons at Wake Forest, Walker transferred to Michigan State in 2021 and had a monster season while leading the program to an 11-2 record. He rushed for 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns while being named the Walter Camp Player of the Year, as well as the Doak Walker Award winner as the nation’s top running back. He was selected by Seattle in the second round with the 41st overall pick.
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