Temple University Athletics
TANARDO SHARPS A CANDIDATE FOR DOAK WALKER AWARD
8.24.01 | Football
Sharps (5-11, 182) became the first Owl since 1987 (Todd McNair) to surpass the 1,000 yard rushing mark, carrying 210 times for 1,038 yards (5.2 avg.) and 10 touchdowns last season. Along the way, the team offensive MVP had four scoring runs of 64 yards or more (64t, 65t, 65t, 66t). In 2001, Sharps seeks to become the first Temple player to post back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons since Heisman Trophy runner-up Paul Palmer accomplished the feat in 1985 and 1986.
Sharps is one of six Big East running backs on the list, joining Avon Cobourne (West Virginia), William Green (Boston College), James Mungro (Syracuse), Clinton Portis (Miami) and Lee Suggs (Virginia Tech).
The SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will select eight semifinalists on November 8, and the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will vote on the winner in late November. The winner will be announced live on ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Thursday, December 6, 2001.
Temple opens its 2001 season on Thursday, August 30 at 7:00 p.m. versus Navy at Franklin Field. Last season, the Owls defeated the Midshipmen, 17-6, in Annapolis, Md. Sharps carried 31 times for 180 yards and a touchdown in the victory.
