TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona football sophomore running back J.J. Taylor has been named one of 10 national semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award, it was announced on Wednesday. The Doak Walker Award is presented annually to the top collegiate running back.

A native of Corona, Calif., Taylor ranks fourth among all Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players with 1,221 rushing yards through 10 games. Taylor also has 115 receiving yards and 447 kickoff return yards, producing a tally of 1,783 all-purpose yards, which is the second-most among all FBS players this season.

Taylor, who was named Pac-12 Co-Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2017, has topped the 100-yard rushing mark four times this season, including in each of the last three contests. His 284 rushing yards in a Sept. 22 victory at Oregon State was the fourth-best single-game total in program history, including most by a UA running back in a road game. Taylor's 1,221 rushing yards currently rank ninth-most in UA single-season history.

Listed at 5-foot-6, 184 pounds, the diminutive Taylor's 207 rushing attempts are second-most in the Pac-12 and fifth-most nationally. According to STATS, Taylor's 1,221 rushing yards are the seventh-most by any FBS player listed at 5-foot-6 or shorter since at least 1996. Meanwhile, his average of 178.3 all-purpose yards currently stands as the top average by any UA player since at least 2000.

The last Wildcat to be named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award was the school's all-time rushing leader Ka'Deem Carey in 2013. That season, Carey finished third nationally with 1,885 rushing yards and was named a finalist for the Doak Walker Award.

To determine the 2018 finalists, members of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast their votes after this week's games. Three finalists for the award will be named Monday, Nov. 19. The Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will cast a second vote to select the 2018 award recipient. The 2018 Doak Walker Award recipient will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, Dec. 6 on ESPN.

The Award is named after three-time SMU All-America running back and 1948 Heisman Trophy winner Doak Walker. Walker, who also punted, returned kicks and kicked extra points, led the Mustangs to two Southwest Conference Championships. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions and led the league in scoring his rookie year. During his six years with the Lions, he led the team to two NFL championships and was chosen All-Pro four times. Walker is a member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

Arizona returns to action this Saturday when it travels to Pullman, Wash., to take on No. 8 Washington State. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN beginning at 7:30 p.m. PST (8:30 p.m. MST in Tucson).

The Wildcats' final home game of the season will be against rival Arizona State in the annual Territorial Cup on Saturday, Nov. 24. That contest will be televised nationally on FS1 beginning at 1:30 p.m. MST at Arizona Stadium. Tickets can be purchased by calling 520-621-2287 or online by visiting www.arizonawildcats.com/FB.