Bishop, Carter named Walter Camp semifinalists

Tennessee seniors DeSean Bishop and Arion Carter were named Wednesday among 20 semifinalists for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. Bishop is one of three running backs selected, while Carter is one of five defensive players recognized.

Tennessee and Notre Dame are the only programs with both an offensive and defensive semifinalist, Miami and Texas join them as the only schools with multiple selections. Bishop and Carter join Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt in 2022 and James Pearce Jr. in 2024 as Tennessee semifinalists for the award.

Bishop enters Week 11 ranked second in the SEC and 10th nationally with 1,066 rushing yards. His 13 rushing touchdowns rank second in the conference. Nationally, he is tied for seventh. He has six 100-yard games this season, including five consecutive performances entering Saturday’s road matchup at Texas A&M.

The running back has produced 661 second-half rushing yards, the most in the FBS, and Pro Football Focus credits him with 752 yards after contact, sixth nationally. He also leads the nation with 369 fourth-quarter rushing yards and six touchdowns in the final period. Against currently ranked opponents, Bishop leads the country with 100 carries, 422 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Carter leads Tennessee with 59 tackles entering Week 11. In the Volunteers’ 34-6 victory over No. 6 Kentucky, he finished with 13 tackles while setting career highs with 4.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. He also recorded a quarterback hurry.

According to available records cited by Tennessee, Carter became the first FBS player in more than 11 years to record at least 13 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks against an AP top-10 opponent. He is also a Butkus Award semifinalist, a Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award semifinalist and a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy.

The winner will be determined by votes from the 138 FBS head coaches and sports information directors. Five finalists will be announced later this month.

Why it matters

Bishop and Carter give Tennessee national award representation on both sides of the ball. Bishop’s late-game rushing production and Carter’s disruptive performance against Kentucky support their places among the semifinalists.

What to watch next

Five finalists will be announced later this month. The winner will be revealed during the ESPN College Football Awards Show on Friday, Dec. 11.