Situated in the heart of Dallas, Southern Methodist University forged a proud football legacy and produced some of the greatest athletes in College Football, including a Heisman award winner: Doak Walker. Walker claimed the prestigious award in 1948, securing his and the University’s name in the history books.
All You Need To Know About SMU Mustangs Heisman Winner Doak Walker
Born and raised in Dallas, Walker was a natural athlete with potential in multiple sports, including football, basketball, baseball, track, and swimming. Teaming up with future NFL star Bobby Layne in high school, Walker’s path to SMU was filled with ups and downs.
After spending time in the Merchant Marine during World War II, Walker nearly joined Layne at Texas. However, thanks to a coincidental meeting with SMU backfield coach Rusty Russell, his former high school coach, Walker was swayed to stay local.
Days after enrolling in 1945, Walker debuted against Texas, erupting for 289 rushing yards, five touchdowns, 387 passing yards, and four scores; it was one of the best freshman performances in the sport.
Walker’s sophomore year, 1947, saw him rush for 684 yards and eight touchdowns while passing for 342 yards and three scores, finishing third in Heisman voting. His 1948 junior campaign was a masterclass. Leading SMU to a 9-1-1 record and a No. 10 national ranking, Walker rushed for 542 yards and eight touchdowns, caught 15 passes for 278 yards and two scores, and threw 304 yards and five touchdowns.
He also returned punts and kickoffs, intercepted three passes, and averaged 42.1 yards on 35 punts. His skills and performance overwhelmed voters, earning him the Heisman over North Carolina’s Charlie Justice and Penn’s Chuck Bednarik.
Walker’s 1949 senior season, though marred by a 5-4-1 team record, Walker kept on performing consistently. He rushed for 449 yards and 10 touchdowns, threw for 605 yards and five scores, and finished third in Heisman voting behind Notre Dame’s Leon Hart. Alongside Glenn Davis and Herschel Walker, he’s one of only three players with three top-three Heisman finishes.
In 35 games at SMU, Walker scored 303 points via 40 touchdowns, 60 extra points, and one field goal, amassing over 3,500 yards. A three-time All-American, he led SMU to Cotton Bowl appearances in 1948 and 1949 and set Southwest Conference records that still stand.
After college, Walker starred for the Detroit Lions, leading the NFL in rushing in 1950.
KEEP READING: Penn State Nittany Lions Heisman Trophy Winners: A Complete List and History
Retiring after six seasons, he built a successful business career, later marrying Olympic skier Gladys “Skeeter” Werner. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1959, Walker passed away in 1998 at 71. SMU has an award named after him: the Doak Walker Award, which honors the nation’s top running back.
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