NIU running back Michael Turner is one of the eight best running backs in the nation for the second year in a row, according to the Southern Methodist University Athletic Forum Board of Directors.

Turner was named one of eight semifinalists for the 2003 Doak Walker Award on Wednesday.

“What a great honor,” Turner said. “It’s great to be in the top eight for the Doak Walker national running back award again. Hopefully, I can do a little better and finish in the top three and maybe get a shot at No. 1. This is tremendous recognition for the Northern Illinois program and my teammates.”

The award is given to the top running back as voted on by the 144 members of the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee.

Turner leads the nation in rushing with 1,482 yards. Four of the last six winners have led the nation in rushing.

He is the only back to be on the list of semifinalists each of the past two seasons.

“It’s a great honor for Mike,” NIU quarterback Josh Haldi said. “He had a lot of expectations coming into this year, and he’s done a real good job leading this football team.”

The other seven semifinalists include juniors Steven Jackson of Oregon State, Kevin Jones of Virginia Tech and Darren Sproles of Kansas State. The seniors are Derrick Knight of Boston College, Michigan’s Chris Perry, Alabama’s Shaud Williams and Quincy Wilson of West Virginia.

Walker, an SMU graduate, was the first junior to receive the Heisman Trophy award in 1948.

The SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors selects the eight semifinalists. Then the list is handed over to the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee. On Dec. 1, it will narrow the list to three finalists, and 10 days later, the winner will be announced live during ESPN’s “College Football Awards” broadcast.