While being an outstanding running back is comparison enough, Allen also shares a unique numerical connection to the award's namesake. Playing running back at both SMU and later for the Detroit Lions, Doak Walker wore No. 37 en route to winning the Maxwell Award, the Heisman Trophy, NFL Rookie of the Year and a spot in the Professional Football Hall of Fame.
Upon arriving at USC, Allen was given No. 37 befitting his place at the bottom of the depth chart, but he has since built a legacy around the forgotten digits. Allen leads the Pac-12 in rushing and ranks fifth nationally in total yards from scrimmage making No. 37 a fixture on the backs of Trojan fans ringing the Coliseum.
"I'm still speechless," said Allen. "It's still kind of weird when I see people wearing my jersey, but it's a blessing. And one day when I do have kids, I can tell them that they sold my jersey in the USC Bookstore. It may not have my name, but it was my jersey."
Allen is looking to become the first Trojan since Ricky Ervins in 1989 to lead the conference in rushing. He currently leads the Pac-12 in rushing yards per game (124.9) and all-purpose yards per game (162).
The running back is shining on the national stage as well. Against Power 5 opponents, Allen leads the nation in total yards from scrimmage (1302) and is the third leading rusher in total yards (991).
He has 12 career 100-yard rushing performances, all within the past 15 games and is the first Trojan since 2005 to have at least eight 100-yard rushing games in a season. He has posted six consecutive 100-yard rushing games, which is the longest streak since Marcus Allen (11) in 1981.
The redshirt junior is in contention for several awards this season. Last week, Allen was named a Maxwell Award semifinalist and on Monday, he received a letter from the Heisman Trust with the official notification of his potential candidacy.
