Irish RB Tarean Folston appears on Doak Walker Award watch list

Notre Dame junior running back Tarean Folston has been named to the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award, which honors the country's top collegiate running back.

Folston was one of 69 running backs to be recognized on the watch list.

Notre Dame's leading rusher in 2014, Folston gained 889 yards with six touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The 5-foot-9, 214-pound junior also contributed 190 receiving yards and a touchdown in his sophomore season. Folston picked up season as the season wore on, racking up four 100-yard rushing performances in the Irish's final seven games.

With fellow junior Greg Bryant suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season, Folston will be expected to carry the load early and often this fall.