2006 Male Amateur Athlete of the Year

DeAngelo Williams, University of Memphis

DeAngelo Williams, a running-back from the University of Memphis, led his school to its third straight bowl appearance (the first time in school history) and set several NCAA records in the process.

Williams set an NCAA record with his 34th 100-yard rushing game in the Motor City Bowl and scored three touchdowns, leading Memphis to a victory. Williams finished the season ranked number-one nationally in rushing yards and yards per game (1,964/178.5).

 

He finished his college career with 6,026 yards rushing, trailing only Ron Dayne, Ricky Williams and Tony Dorsett in Division I-A history. He also set an NCAA record with 7,573 all-purpose yards.

Among his many honors, Williams was named MVP of the Motor City Bowl, All-American by the AFCA and the Associated Press, first-team All-C-USA for the third time, C-USA Offensive Player of the Year for the third time and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award and named to the Walter Camp All-America Team.

Williams was presented the inaugural ARA Sportsmanship Award and was selected to play in the Senior Bowl.