The Doak Walker Award is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding running back. It is named in honor of former SMU and three-time All-America running back Doak Walker.
Heading into the 2025 season, Davion Gause has earned a spot on the award's watch list.
Congratulations to @daviongause7 for being named to the @DoakWalkerAward Watch List!
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) August 6, 2025
🔗: https://t.co/Uu7fVOG3r3 pic.twitter.com/KkXRta4Dxc
With Omarion Hampton departing for the NFL, Gause is expected to take on the reins as the UNC football program's next workhorse in the backfield. During his freshman season, Gause showed flashes of greatness, leaving Tar Heel fans anxious to see what he can do with a heavier workload this season.
Appearing in all 13 of the UNC football program's games last season, the Opa-locka, Florida native rushed for 326 yards on 67 carries. He found the endzone on four separate occasions, providing a much-needed spark for the Tar Heels' offense when Hampton needed an occasional breather.
The UNC football program has a knack for developing elite running back talent. It feels like when one running back heads to the NFL, another comes in and makes a major impact of their own before their own professional football career gets underway.
From Javonte Williams and Michael Carter to Omarion Hampton, North Carolina has been the home of plenty elite running backs. Davion Gause has the makings of being the next in line, as he'll have plenty of opportunities this season to prove that he's ready for the challenge.
Gause and the UNC football program open up the 2025 season on Monday, September 1, 2025 when they host TCU for a 8:00 PM kickoff. The game will officially start the Bill Belichick era in Chapel Hill for the UNC football program, an era that Gause is expected to make a major impact on right out of the gate.