Two Vols Secure Spots On Doak Walker Watch List
Images: Tennessee Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
With former SEC Player of the Year Dylan Sampson now in Cleveland, Tennessee’s backfield continues to draw national attention heading into 2025.
Running backs DeSean Bishop and Star Thomas were named to the Doak Walker Award preseason watchlist on Tuesday, presented annually to the nation’s top collegiate running back.
Bishop, a Knoxville native who starred at Karns High School, walked on at Tennessee in 2023 and earned a scholarship this past spring.
As a redshirt freshman backing up Dylan Sampson in 2024, Bishop finished third in the SEC in yards per carry at 6.15 while totaling 455 yards rushing on 74 carries and three touchdowns.
Thomas, a senior from Homer, Louisiana, transferred to Tennessee from Duke in January after starting the final ten games of the 2024 season for the Blue Devils.
The 6-foot, 210-pounder produced 871 rushing yards over twelve games last season, including a breakout showing against in-state rival North Carolina, where Thomas recorded 166 yards and a rushing touchdown, plus a 29-yard touchdown reception.
With Bishop’s efficiency as a runner and Thomas entering his sixth season of college football, Tennessee enters the 2025 season with one of the most intriguing backfields in the country.
