Baylor's Bohanon, Smith Named Tyler Rose Award Semifinalists
TYLER, Texas – Baylor football’s Gerry Bohanon and Abram Smith have been named semifinalists for the 2021 Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, as announced Thursday.
The award recognizes the top offensive player in Division I football who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell: integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community and tenacity to persist as well as determination to overcome adversity and injury in pursuit of reaching goals.
Additionally, the nominee must either be born in Texas, graduated from a Texas high school, or played at a Texas-based junior college or four-year university.
Originally from Earle, Ark., Bohanon has thrown for 2,084 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading the Bears to an 8-2 record through 10 games. He has also added 283 rushing yards and nine TDs on the ground. His 25 total touchdowns are the most by a single player in the Big 12.
Bohanon has been named to the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award honorable mention list three times this season for his outstanding play. He earned the recognition following his week two performance vs. Texas Southern (five total TDs), in week six vs. West Virginia (career-high 336 passing yards and five total TDs) and in week 11 vs. Oklahoma (career-high 107 rushing yards and three total TDs).
Smith, a native of Abilene, has rushed for a Big 12-best 1,203 yards on 164 carries. He ranks third nationally in yards per carry (7.34), fifth in total yards (1,203) and 23rd in rushing touchdowns (11). On Wednesday, Smith was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award, which honors the nation’s top running back.
Earlier this season, Smith received the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Player of the Week award following his career day vs. BYU, in which he rushed for 188 yards and scored three touchdowns. He also earned honorable mention recognition after BU’s season opener at Texas State, rushing for 118 yards and two scores.
Five finalists for the award will be announced on Dec. 14, as selected by broadcasters, commentators, journalists, fans and previous winners. This year’s winner will be announced at the end of the football season on Jan. 12, 2022.