RUN RUN ROYSTER

Although I'm sure he would trade it for a few more carries against Iowa, Penn State sophomore running back Evan Royster has been selected as one of the 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award, which is presented annually to the nation's best running back in college football.

Although Royster is most likely a long shot to be chosen when the Award National Selection Committee will narrow the list to three finalists on Monday, November 24th, this is no doubt one of the biggest honors in #22's short but successful career.

Royster, who has been one of the most successful runner's in Nittany Lion history, is a key part to the Penn State offense which features not just one, but two premier running backs (that's right I called Stephon Green a premier running back - just give him the ball).

His 1,060 yards rank 13th on the school season list, with Lenny Moore (1,082 yds, 1954), John Cappelletti (1,117 yds, 1972) and Curtis Enis (1,210 yds, 1996) next. Royster's 106.0 yards per game average ranks him No. 3 in the Big Ten and 20th in the nation. His 6.6 yards per rush average is fourth best in the nation among the nation's top 20 rushers.

As was discussed earlier this season on The Floating Lion, Royster was one of the nation's top lacrosse recruits coming out of Westfield High School in Virgina. A two-sport athlete growing up, Royster won the Virginia State Championship in football his junior year. Fast forward five years and the current sophomore has racked up 11 touchdowns in a traditionally run-stopping conference.

Although coach Joe Paterno has said there were thoughts of converting Royster to a corner back once he came to Penn State, the move never occured as he showed his promise last year by rushing for 513 yards on 82 carries in a backup role. Once he moved into the starting lineup this season, Royster wasted no time making an impact.

In what may be his sexiest performance this season, Runnin' Royster set a career rushing high, running for 174 yards on 18 carries, with a 44-yard TD run in the first quarter. He also added 3 catches for 13 yards in the 46-17 homecoming victory

He ranks 10th in the Big Ten in scoring, averaging 6.6 points per game. Royster also has shown the ability to break the big play, as he has delivered 14 of Penn State's 53 plays from scrimmage of 20 yards or longer this season (13 runs, 1 reception). He also has 14 receptions for 121 yards this season.

Unfortunatley, this is not like other Penn State candidates who have been nominated for an award this season, and there is no link to attach where fans can vote. Instead, watch THIS.