July 14, 2016
Ralph Webb, who has established new rushing records in his first two years on the Vanderbilt campus, has been named to the Doak Walker Award preseason watch list.
It marks the second straight year that Webb, a redshirt junior from Gainesville, Fla., has been named to the Walker Award preseason watch list. Before Webb, the last Vanderbilt running back listed as a candidate was Zac Stacy in 2012. The Doak Walker Award is given annually to the nation’s top running back.
Webb’s becomes the third Commodore to earn preseason accolades. Linebacker Zach Cunningham has been named to watch lists for three prestigious defensive honors – the Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Dick Butkus Award. Linebacker-safety Oren Burks has been mentioned for the Wuerffel Trophy and Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, awards that focus on athletics, academics and community service.
Webb enters this season with 2,059 rushing yards, ranking fourth in career yards among active backs in the Southeastern Conference. Webb’s rushing total through two years also is No. 8 on Vanderbilt’s all-time charts.
Webb produced one of the finest rushing seasons ever by a Commodore in 2015. His 1,152 yards is the second most in team history, trailing only Stacy’s 1,193-yard total from 2011. Webb’s 2015 rushing total, which broke the team’s sophomore record, came on 277 carries, which also broke the Commodore single-season total.
As a first-year contributor in 2014, Webb rushed for 907 yards, eclipsing the team’s freshman mark of 798 yards set by Kwane Doster in 2002.
Webb also enters his third year with 11 career touchdowns, including nine rushing touchdowns.
Webb is among 16 players returning for the Commodore offense with starting experience. The unit enters its second year under coordinator Andy Ludwig.
Webb and and the Commodores will open the regular season by hosting SEC East opponent South Carolina on Thursday, Sept. 1 in Vanderbilt Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT. Besides South Carolina, the Commodores also host Middle Tennessee on Sept. 10, Florida on Oct. 1, Tennessee State for homecoming on Oct. 22, Ole Miss on Nov. 19, and Tennessee on Nov. 26.
Season tickets remain available, starting at $135 for end-zone locations and only $250 for premium sideline seats in Vanderbilt Stadium. Tickets can be purchased online or via the phone at (615) 322-GOLD (4653).
The Vanderbilt Ticket Office also is open during regular hours on weekends in McGugin Athletics Center, 2601 Jess Neely Drive, Nashville.