Arizona Football: RB Michael Wiley named to Doak Walker watchlist

With the season over a month away, Arizona Football running back Michael Wiley will be one to follow as he was named to the Doak Walker watchlist. 

The optimism surrounding Arizona Football in 2021 may not be very high, and while the Wildcats have been predicted to finish near the bottom in the Pac-12 by virtually every major publication, however, running back Michael Wiley will be one to watch with the Wildcats.

As we’re all too unfortunately aware of now, last season was an absolute disaster for Arizona Football as the Wildcats finished an abysmal 0-5. However, despite the unfortunate finish, Wiley was one of the few bright spots for the Cats.

Arizona Wildcats

A then-sophomore, the Texas native finished the year running for 222 yards on 31 carries (7.2 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. And that was while splitting carries with Gary Brightwell.

With Gary now moving onto bigger and better things, Wiley will have an even bigger role in 2021, so naturally, he is on the Doak Walker award watchlist.

Making news via social media on Wednesday morning, the watchlist officially came out and Wiley is featured on the elusive list along with several other talented running backs.

Becoming yet another player from Arizona to make the watchlist, Wiley also joins former Wildcats J.J. Taylor and Brightwell who were also named preseason candidates.

Breaking down the chances Arizona Football running back Michael Wiley has in winning the Doak Walker Award.

Coming in, it is hard to quantify what the chances are for Wiley in winning, but realistically, I would have to assume they are pretty low, especially with players like Tank Bigsby (Auburn), Deuce Vaughn (Kansas State), and Bijan Robinson (Texas) also in consideration. It is also worth noting that no player has ever won the award from Arizona.

Now granted anything is possible, and perhaps Wiley surprises, after all, the former Jesuit High School standout has a lot of talent and potential. Either way, we will be following intently.