(Sports Network) - Stanford's Toby Gerhart captured the 2009 Doak
Walker Award, given annually to the nation's top running back.

Gerhart has helped Stanford advance to its first bowl game since 2001 by
rushing for 1,736 yards and an incredible 26 touchdowns -- both tops in the
Pac-10. He is currently second on the school's all-time rushing list with
3,182 yards, behind only Darrin Nelson.

"It's been remarkable," Gerhart said of Stanford's turnaround this year.
"Coming in freshman year we were 1-11. Coach [Jim] Harbaugh has come in and
done incredible things, turned everything around."

Clemson's C.J. Spiller and Alabama's Mark Ingram were also nominated for the
award.

Spiller ended the season with staggering numbers across to board, including
1,145 rushing yards, 445 receiving yards and 918 yards via kick and punt
return. The speedster averaged 192.92 all-purpose yards and accounted for 20
total touchdowns, including four on kickoffs.

Ingram amassed 1,542 yards and 15 touchdowns on 249 carries, helping the
Crimson Tide go 13-0 and advance to the BCS title game against Texas.







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