McFadden beats out Hart, Slaton to win Doak Walker Award

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Darren McFadden of Arkansas won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back on Thursday night.

McFadden, a Heisman Trophy finalist, set a school record with 1,558 yards rushing and scored 16 touchdowns to help Arkansas reach the Southeastern Conference title game.

The sophomore beat out Michigan's Mike Hart and West Virginia's Steve Slaton and became the first Arkansas player to win the Doak Walker Award, which dates to 1990.

McFadden will be in New York on Saturday for the Heisman presentation.

USC's Reggie Bush won the Doak Walker last season.