Ohio State's Mike Weber was named Thursday to the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award, which honors college football's best running back.

As a redshirt freshman in 2016, Weber rushed for 1,096 yards – making him just the third Buckeye to rush for more than 1,000 yards in his freshman season – and nine touchdowns on 182 carries. 

Weber is one of 61 running backs chosen as preseason nominees for the award. Weber is also on the watch list for the Maxwell Award, which honors college football's best player.

Ohio State's only previous winner of the Doak Walker Award is Eddie George, who won the award in 1995.