Following the departure of Rachaad White (NFL Draft) and DeaMonte Trayanum (transfer), the Arizona State backfield will call on a new name to lead the rushing corps this season.

Incoming graduate transfer Xazavian Valladay is the favorite to be just that after spending the past four seasons as a Wyoming Cowboy.

Valladay was named to the Doak Walker Award watch list Wednesday morning.

The award is named after SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker, given to the best collegiate running back.

Last season at Wyoming, Valladay rushed for 1,070 yards on 209 attempts and found the end zone six times.

In four seasons in a Cowboy uniform, Valladay rushed for 3,281 yards, including a career-high 1,265 yards in 2019.

Vallady was named to All-Mountain West Conference selection for the third straight season and ranks No. 2 all-time on the Wyoming Football rushing yards list with 3,274.

Xazavian Valladay is transferring from Wyoming to ASU.

Valladay is one of the top RB’s in the country with 3,858 career yards

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— WestCoastCFB (@WestCoastCFB) January 12, 2022

Valladay will look to become the first Sun Devil to ever win the prestigious award.

Redshirt sophomore Daniyel Ngata, redshirt freshman Deonce Elliott, freshman Tevin White and sophomore running back George Hart III will join Valladay in a crowded Sun Devils’ backfield.

Ngata rushed for 323 yards and amassed four touchdowns in limited action a season ago.