UNLV senior running back Lexington "Lightning" Thomas was one of 62 players named to the official Doak Walker Award Watch List, which was released Wednesday.
 
The award is presented annually to the nation's top college running back.
 
Thomas, who is a unanimous choice for 2018 preseason first team All-Mountain West by Athlon, Lindy's and Phil Steele's, needs 1,250 yards to pass Tim Cornett (3,733 from 2010-13) and become the school's career rushing king. Despite starting just 20 games as a collegian, he heads into the fall ranking third in UNLV history with 12 100-yard rushing games and needs six to break two-time All-American Mike Thomas' 44-year-old UNLV record of 17. Thomas turned in the fourth-highest rushing total in school history last fall with 1,336 yards on 211 carries for a gaudy per-rush average of 6.3 yards, which ranked 17th in the nation. "Lightning" also struck often in the end zone as a junior, scoring at least one touchdown in 10 of 12 games (two or more six times) and finishing with 17 rushing TDs, which tied for 12th in the nation and tied for second on the school's single-season list.
 
The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name 10 semifinalists in November, and three finalists will be announced November 20. The committee will cast a second vote beginning November 26 to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives.
 
The 29th winner of the Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards December 6 on ESPN. The honor is named for SMU's three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. Stanford's Bryce Love won last season's award.
 
UNLV opens its season September 1 at USC. The home opener is September 8 vs. UTEP. Season tickets are on sale now starting at only $99 for all six home games. Three-game and group ticket packages are also available with Eat All You Can Plans for as low as $79 per ticket. UNLV has also introduced the Better Seats Promise. Ticket plan holders are guaranteed better seats than single-game purchasers. Other season ticket packages include faculty & staff, alumni and groups.
 
To learn more or to purchase tickets, please visit UNLVtickets.com or call 702-739-FANS (3267). Parking is free at Sam Boyd Stadium for Rebel football games. Season ticket holders will receive priority access for seating at Rebel games inside Las Vegas Stadium, which is scheduled to open in 2020.