For the second straight year, Western Kentucky running back D’Andre Ferby has been named to the preseason Doak Walker Award Watch List, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced Thursday morning.

Ferby was recognized prior to the 2016 season after bursting onto the scene with 650 yards and 11 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman, earning Conference USA All-Freshman Team honors in the process. Unfortunately, the Smyrna, Tenn., native was injured on his first carry of the season vs. Rice and missed the remainder of the year.

Over the past 10 months, Ferby has rehabbed and worked his way back to light practices during the spring. Going into his third year at WKU, the back has emerged as a leader on the offensive side of the ball during the transition to a new coaching staff and scheme. Along with Quinton Baker and Marquez Trigg, the trio returns with 1,490 combined rush yards under their belts.

The award, which will name its 28th recipient in 2017, is named for SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. From the original 61 running backs on the preseason watch list and others added to the radar during the season, it will be cut down to 10 semifinalists Nov. 15 and then to the final three Nov. 20. The recipient of the 2017 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 7 on ESPN.

Overall, Ferby’s addition to the Doak Walker Watch List marks the 13th individual preseason honor for the Hilltoppers heading into fall camp. The 2017 season begins at home against in-state foe Eastern Kentucky on Sept. 2. Kick is set for 6 p.m., as the two schools meet again on the gridiron for the first time since 2008 in a renewal of the most-played football series in the Commonwealth.

Hilltoppers on National Watch Lists

DB Joe Brown: Jim Thorpe Award (Top defensive back)

P Jake Collins: Ray Guy Award (Top punter)

OL Dennis Edwards: Rimington Trophy (Top center)

RB D’Andre Ferby: Doak Walker Award (Top running back)

WR/PR Nacarius Fant: Paul Hornung Award (Most versatile)

K Skyler Simcox: Lou Groza Award (Top kicker)

WR/KR Kylen Towner: C-USA Preseason Special Teams POY

DB Marcus Ward: AFCA Good Works Team

QB Mike White: C-USA Preseason Offensive POY, Maxwell Award (Top player), Wuerffel Trophy (Community service), Davey O’Brien Award (Quarterback), Johnny Unitas Award (Quarterback)