The Heisman Leftovers

Well the Heisman finalists are in: Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck, Trent Richardson, Montee Ball, and Tyrann Mathieu.  All deserve consideration, Griffin for his athleticism, Luck for his pure leadership, Richardson and Ball for their running abilities, and Mathieu for his big play capabilities.  Most experts are saying this year will be one of the closest votes ever.  Every year some well qualified players are left out looking in, this year happens to be no exception.

Most Notable:

Justin Blackmon WR Okla State 113 receptions 1336 Yds, 15 Td's
Brandon Weeden QB Okla State 72.6 Comp. %, 4328 Yds., 34 Td's
Kellen Moore, QB Boise State 73.9, Comp. %, 3507 Yds, 41 Td's
Russell Wilson QB Wisc. 72.5 Comp. %,  2879 Passing Yds, 24 TDds, 320 rushing Yds, 5 Td's
Denard Robinson QB Mich. 2056 Passing Yds, 10 Td's, 1163 rushing Yds. 16 Td's
Case Keenum QB Hou.  70.1 Comp. %, 5099 Yds, 45 Td's

Less Known:
Patrick Edwards, WR Hou. 79 Recep. 1524 Yds. 19.3 per recep., 18 Td's
Bobby Rainey, RB W. Ky, 1695 rushing Yds, 4.6 Yds per carry, 13 Td's
Tajh Boyd, QB Clem. 3578 passing Yds, 31 Td's
Nick Foles, QB Ariz. 69.1 Comp. %, 4334 Passing Yds, 28 Td's
Ronnie Hillman, RB SD St. 1656 rushing Yds, 5.6 Yds per carry, 19 Td's

Why do I bring all these athletes up?  The Heisman is nothing more than an a popularity contest.  It is suppose to represent the very best player in college football, not the most liked, seen, or biggest name.  As much as I like Andrew Luck, he will be the number draft choice, he was not even the number one quarterback in his own conference.  Richardson was 5th in the nation in rushing, behind Hillman and Rainey, and I did not even mention LaMichael James who missed a couple games, and he still rushed for more than 1600 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Once again, unless you are in a large conference, on TV, or on the east coast, you are not going to get the recognition you deserve.  I am sure there are a lot more talented players in college football, but we are not going to here about them, until they get into the NFL.  NFL teams are littered with kids with loads of talent from the WAC, MAC, Sunbelt, etc., but they don't get seen, so nobody knows them, but scouts do.

I hope that Tyrann Mathieu wins because he is the dark horse.  Maybe some day the little guy will actually win a Heisman.  By the way, Kellen Moore is the next Drew Brees!