JONESBORO, Ark. (8/5/25) – Arkansas State senior running back Ja’Quez Cross was named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List on Tuesday.
The prestigious honor is annually awarded to the nation’s top college running back. Cross is one of 103 players from across the nation to receive a spot on the watch list for the award and earned a spot for the second consecutive season. He is one of six A-State backs to earn the recognition in at least two different seasons.
The Paul Hornung Award, presented by Texas Roadhouse, is now in its 16th season and is annually presented to the most versatile player in major college football. Cross, selected to the watch list for the second consecutive season, is among four players in school history to appear on the watch list.
Cross appeared in all 13 games last season and totaled 638 rushing yards and a pair of scores. He posted back-to-back 100-plus yard rushing games against Texas State and Southern Miss. Cross added 35 catches for 228 receiving yards and snagged his first receiving touchdown in win at Southern Miss. He possesses four career 100-yard rushing games in his time at A-State.
Ahead of the 2025 campaign, Cross has also been named to the Paul Hornung Award Watch List. He was selected First Team Preseason All-Sun Belt at the all-purpose position and second team at running back and return specialist.
The Doak Walker Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients since 1935.
The Red Wolves are coming off back-to-back bowl appearances, including a win in the 2024 68 Ventures Bowl against Bowling Green. A-State is among four FBS programs to increase its regular season win total every season since 2022.
Arkansas State will kick off its 2025 season at home on Aug. 30, when the Red Wolves host Southeast Missouri at 6:00 p.m. Season tickets may be purchased by calling the Red Wolves Foundation at 870-972-2401 or online by visiting AStateRedWolves.com/Tickets.
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A-State’s Cross Named to Doak Walker Award Watch List. Article may or may not reflect the views of KLEK 102.5 FM or The Voice of Arkansas Minority Advocacy Council
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