williamknox
So, I figure I need to write, and what better topic than the Heisman Trophy. Recently, this trophy has been a stalwart for the best player on the BCS runner-up. Basically, it’s either the Heisman or a BCS Championship. We are almost halfway into the 2009 season, so there isn’t a better time to start talking about the subject…
Absolutely Obknoxious Heisman Favorites…
- QB Tim Tebow, Sr., Florida – One of two voting members still playing (along with 2008 winner Sam Bradford), Tebow is basically on top of every list. The undisputed leader of the defending BCS champions and current top ranked Florida Gators, Tebow will not wow anyone with his stats like he did in his previous Heisman-winning season of 2007. However, Tebow has accounted for 12 touchdowns in 5 games, including a win over then #4 LSU. His best statistic, besides the 5-0 mark, is his passing efficiency, which ranks 3rd in the NCAA behind Jimmy Clausen and Kellen Moore.
- QB Jimmy Clausen, Jr., Notre Dame - Unfortunately for Jimmy Clausen, he does not have a defense behind him like Tebow does, but fortunately for him, he is very good at engineering comeback efforts. Clausen’s Irish team is sitting at 4-1 right now, thanks to a Tate Forcier touchdown pass with 0:11 left, but would likely be 1-4 without the youngest of the Clausen legacy. Currently, Mr. Clausen leads the NCAA in passing efficiency, throwing for 1,544 yards and 12 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions. Being on Notre Dame, Clausen could very well jump Tebow if the Irish continue to win.
- WR/PR Jordan Shipley, Sr., Texas – Colt McCoy may be the quarterback in Austin, but it is Jordan Shipley that provides the spark for victory. Shipley is averaging about 9 catches for 116 yards per game, but his main skill rests in punt returns. While he is no Wes Welker, Shipley still maintains an ability to break open a game with his speed. With a 19 yard average on 14 returns, Shipley has already scored twice via the punt, both times helping Texas to a victory. All Colt has to do is throw the ball, while Jordan does all the hard work.
- DT Ndamukong Suh, Sr., Nebraska – Stats aren’t the only thing that can get you a Heisman. In Mr. Suh’s case, it’s about game-changing ability. While Jordan Shipley does it by gaining yards, Suh does it by disrupting the flow of the offense. His performance against Missouri in week 6 is the classic example. Not only did he spend a great amount of time chasing Blaine Gabbert and forcing errant throws, but he also picked off a pass in the 4th quarter that helped Nebraska overcome a 12-0 deficit in the 4th quarter to win 27-12. Suh proves that you don’t need to garner individual stats to be a dominant force.
- QB Tony Pike, Sr., Cincinnati – Pike began 2008 as a backup, before taking the reigns after starter Dustin Grutza suffered a fractured bone against Oklahoma. Since then, Pike has led the Bearcats to a 13-2 record as a starter (missed 2 games in 2008 while injured), throwing for 32 touchdowns and nearly 3,900 yards. This season, the Bearcats are 5-0 and ranked 8th in the AP Poll. Pike has amassed 1,493 yards and 13 touchdowns, with a passer rating of 159.9 (9th overall).
Other candidates: QB Todd Reesing (Kansas), RB Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State), RB Jahvid Best (California)
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Maybe Colt McCoy would have still been on the list if he hadn’t forgotten his power towel.
Also, in light of Sam Bradford’s less than stellar season so far and Matt Leinert’s ’05 return season, what are your thoughts on Heisman winners returning for another year rather than going into the draft? Lately it seems that Tebow is the exception to this, although he did not really have much of an option of going into the draft after his win.
Colt forgot more than his power towel this year.
As far as returning to school after winning a Heisman, I think its the smart choice. As history has shown us, Heisman Trophies don’t equal NFL success, so having an education to fall back on is pretty important. Now, Bradford’s “less than stellar season” is not due to performance, but rather injury. Leinart’s 2005 season was Heisman worthy in a year with 3 great candidates (Leinart, Bush and Young), and he was able to learn ballroom dancing by going back to school. He also got a pretty nice payday for very little work.