LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Fresno State senior running back Malik Sherrod has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse, the organization announced on Thursday morning.
The Paul Hornung Award, in its 15th season, is presented annually to the nation's most versatile player.
Sherrod, in his final year of eligibility, enters the 2024 season as a well-rounded athlete for the Bulldogs as the starting running back and a kickoff returner. Sherrod totaled 1,462 all-purpose yards a season ago, ranking fourth in the Mountain West.
In the run game, Sherrod was Fresno State's starting running back in nine games and played in 12 as he battled injury throughout the season. He totaled a single-season career-high 172 carries for 966 yards and nine touchdowns in the 2023 season. He added 44 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown in the receiving game.
He had eight kickoff returns for 236 yards and one touchdown. That one touchdown was a 95-yard return against Boise State, and was Fresno State's first kickoff return for a touchdown since 2008. He was one of two players in the MW to have a kickoff return for a touchdown in 2023.
Following his performance against Boise State last season, Sherrod was recognized by the Paul Hornung Award on its Honor Roll. He was also the MW Special Teams Player of the Week that week.
Sherrod set the program record for most all-purpose yards in a game with 312 at San Diego State in the regular season finale last season (138 rushing, 179 receiving and 130 kickoff return).
2024 is primed to be a big one for the Oxnard, Calif. native as Sherrod was a preseason All-Mountain West running back, voted upon by the league's media. He was also an all-conference selection by Phil Steele (second team) and Athlon Sports. Athlon Sports selected him as a first team running back and all-purpose player, and a third team kickoff returner.
The FWAA preseason award watch lists will be announced over a 12-day period which began on Monday, July 29. More information available here.