BYU's Luke Staley wasn't included on the list of candidates for the annual Doak Walker Award — emblematic of the nation's top running back — when the 2001 college football season opened.
But the 6-foot-2 junior thought of himself as a candidate, even though he had been hampered by injuries in his first two campaigns in Provo and despite the fact he hails from a school best-known for its long line of talented quarterbacks.
"At the beginning of the year, I set some goals," Staley said. "One of my goals was to win (the Doak Walker Award). I wasn't sure if I would, but I thought it was possible."
Thanks to a record-breaking season, that goal was realized on Thursday night, when Staley was named the Doak Walker Award recipient during the ESPN College Awards Show in Orlando, Fla.
Staley was one of three finalists, along with Maryland's Bruce Perry and Tennessee's Travis Stephens. When Staley, who broke the fibula in his left leg last weekend in BYU's victory over Mississippi State, was announced as the winner, he hobbled up to the stage with the aid of crutches to accept the honor.
Meanwhile, some 6,000 miles away, Staley's teammates watched the presentation on television from their hotel rooms in the Aloha State, where the Cougars are preparing to face the Hawaii Warriors on Saturday.
"It's very exciting for me and the team to win the award," said Staley, a native of Tualatin, Ore. "I've got to give a lot of credit to the offensive line for what I've been able to do this year. They're as excited as I am about this."
Staley's injury is expected to keep him out three to six weeks. He says he will be ready to play in the Liberty Bowl against Louisville on Dec. 31.
Also on Thursday, Staley was named to the Walker Camp Foundation All-America Team.
Another one of Staley's preseason goals was to rush for 1,500 yards. He achieved that, too, racking up a BYU single-season record 1,582 yards. He also scored a BYU single-season record 28 touchdowns, all while helping lead the Cougars to a 12-0 record, a Mountain West Conference championship and top-10 ranking.
"We're very proud of Luke and all his accomplishments," said coach Gary Crowton. "Since we started this season back in August, we have been telling these guys to work hard, stay focused and great things will happen. This award, although presented to Luke, is a tribute to the hard work and commitment each and every player and coach has made this season.
"Luke is probably one of the best examples we have had in terms of working hard and staying focused. This is a great tribute for a great athlete, a great teammate and a great young man."
Said ESPN's Lee Corso: "Since the first time we saw him as a true freshman in 1999, we thought he would someday be a great NFL player. Luke Staley is a winner on and off the field. He has always been one of my favorite players."
Doak Walker starred at Southern Methodist in the late 1940s, and the award named for him was created in 1989. Past winners include Georgia's Garrison Hearst, Ohio State's Eddie George, Texas' Ricky Williams, Wisconsin's Ron Dayne and TCU's LaDainian Tomlinson.
Don't be surprised if Staley sets a goal before the 2002 season to win a different award — the Heisman Trophy.
E-MAIL: jeffc@desnews.com