Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III added to Maxwell Award Watch List

Anyone who has watched Michigan State this year will have noticed just how good junior running back Kenneth Walker III has been.

He’s been so good thus far that he’s being added to the Maxwell Award Watch List, which is presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football.

The Wake Forest transfer received rave reviews in fall camp and has not disappointed so far. He leads the nation in rushing yards with 680. That is good for an average of 136 yards per game, which also leads FBS.

Walker is also fourth in the nation in scoring (10.8 ppg) and total touchdowns (nine), while also being top-15 in yards per carry (13th with 6.8 average) and all-purpose yards (16th with 139.4 ypg).

Additionally, Walker has been tough to bring down, as Pro Football Focus notes that he leads the country in rushing yards after contact with 515 yards. He also ranks second in the nation with 19 rushes of 10-plus yards.

Walker and the Spartans will be back on the field this Saturday against Rutgers. Against Big Ten opponents, Rutgers has allowed 160 rushing yards per game.