Video: Doak Walker wins the 1948 Heisman Trophy

Walker captured SMU’s first Heisman in 1948 while leading the Mustangs to a 9-1-1 record and a 10th-place poll finish. He was the second junior to win the award.

Considered perhaps the greatest player to come out of the Southwest Conference, Walker was a three-time All-American at SMU. In 35 games he scored 303 points on 40 TDs, 60 extra points after TDs, and one field goal. Doak gained over 3,500 yards running and passing, and established several other SWC records that still stand. He led the Mustangs to the Cotton Bowl in 1948 and 1949.

He was dominant in 1948, rushing for 542 yards and eight touchdowns, catching 15 passes for 278 yards and two scores and throwing for 304 yards and five TDs. He also returned 10 punts for 169 yards and a touchdown, totaled 161 yards on five kickoff returns, intercepted three passes for 75 yards, averaged 42.1 yards on 35 punts and kicked 22 PATs. He beat out Charlie Justice and Chuck Bednarik for the Heisan.

The video above (which unfortunately does not have sound) is rare footage of Walker’s trip to New York City to pick up his award.