Illinois running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn named to 2016 Doak Walker Award Watch List|Illinois Hot Topics|Team BattleGround|College BattleGround

Vaughn rushed for 723 yards and 6 touchdowns as a true-freshman.

Fighting Illini football’s Ke’Shawn Vaughn is one of 76 players named to the 2016 Doak Walker Award Watch List. Given to the nation’s premier running back, this is also the only such honor in major college football that requires all candidates to be in good academic standing. You can view the entire 76-player list right here.

.@ThaLa5tKing is up for the @DoakWalkerAward, presented to the nation’s top RB.

” https://t.co/FraH2dONDs pic.twitter.com/45xRpIIhU3

— Illini Football (@IlliniFootball) July 14, 2016

As a true-freshman, Vaughn rushed for an impressive 723 yards and 6 touchdowns. The former four-star prospect was named Illinois’ 2015 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, and he received Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors after a 180-yard performance against Purdue.

Vaughn will be one of three Illinois players at Big Ten Media Days later this month. He’ll be the lone sophomore in attendance, which is pretty cool considering Media Days are usually for upperclassmen representatives.