Arizona Football’s Gary Brightwell named to Doak Walker Award watchlist

As we head into the 2020 Arizona Football season, there is a bit of hype heading into the season, as Gary Brightwell is named to the Doak Walker Award watchlist!

I know not many experts or fans are expecting the Arizona Football team to have much to be excited about this year, but running back Gary Brightwell is certainly changing those perceptions.

A soon-to-be senior, Gary has been a pleasant surprise ever since coming on campus after being a standout player at St. Georges Tech High Schools in Middletown, DE.

Arizona Wildcats

Originally recruited as a running back, he mostly played on special teams, even lining up at receiver in 2017 during his freshman season. But after that, he has cemented himself as being a productive contributor out of the Arizona backfield.

In the 22 games that he has appeared in, Gary has totaled 915 yards on 157 carries (5.8 average), with five touchdowns rushing. He also has six receptions for 68 yards and another touchdown.

Pretty decent if you ask me, especially considering he was playing alongside other talented running backs like J.J. Taylor, Bam Smith and even Khalil Tate.

So heading into 2020, he not only just may be Arizona’s best running back, but he is also perhaps the best offensive player the Wildcats will have this year. Because of that, naturally Gary is drawing a lot of praise and rightfully so.

The news of Gary making the Doak Walker Award (given to the best running back in college football) watchlist happened on Wednesday afternoon!

Seeing Gary get preseason hype is certainly great for the program, and to me there is no one more deserving than him. He has put in a lot of work, and heading into the 2020 season, I think he is poised to have a fantastic season.

Just look at some of his highlights from last year!

At Zona Zealots, we’re happy for Gary and can’t wait to see what he can do! As always, Bear Down, Arizona!