Heisman Watch Special Edition

Well the time is finally upon us. The regular season is over and the bowl season is just around the corner. But before that, the individual performance awards will be given out. The most prestigious of the awards, the Heisman Trophy, will be given out on Monday. I have followed the performances of many of the best college football players and have come to a decision on who should receive the Heisman Trophy. 5th Place: Jerome Harrison, RB, Washington State, Sr.

The person I expect to come in 5th place is Jerome Harrison. Jerome has had a great season at Washington State racking up 1,900 yards and 16 TD’s on 308 carries. He has also caught 26 passes for 206 yards and 1 TD. Jerome had his most productive year in 2005 rushing for 1,000 more yards than he had last year. Jerome was just a workhorse for the cougars. He was leader and carried his team throughout the entire season. His team will not be going to a bowl game this season but Jerome should be proud of his accomplishments including getting a trip to New York City to end his college football career.

4th Place: Matt Leinart, QB, USC, Sr.

The person with the 4th most votes I think will be Matt Leinart. The former Heisman Trophy winner decided to come back for his senior year and found himself in the thick of a second Heisman race. Unfortunately for Matt, the competition was much tougher this year. Leinart threw for 3,468 yards with 27 TD’s and 7 INT’s. He also rushed for 7 TD’s managing a better season than last year. This year Leinart was overshadowed by his teammate Reggie Bush but had his moments. Leinart made that gutsy audible in the Notre Dame game and throughout the season managed the USC offense. Although I don’t expect Leinart to win the Heisman, he will be remembered as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play at the University of Southern California.

3rd Place: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame, Jr.

This is where there is some disagreement in the Heisman race. Some think that Matt Leinart should be in the 3rd place spot instead of Brady Quinn; I think otherwise. Brady Quinn threw for 3,633 yards, 32 TD’s and 7 INT’s. He shredded up every major passing record in Notre Dame history. Brady threw for more yards and TD’s than Leinart and has a bit less talent around him. Brady really excelled this season under coach Charlie Weis’ system and is probably the most improved player in college football. Brady had an amazing season this year and is coming back for another one next year. I don’t expect Brady Quinn to win the Heisman but next year’s race should be a good one with Quinn expected to be in it.

2nd Place: Vince Young, QB, Texas, Jr.

I expect the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy to be Vince Young. Throughout most of the season I had Vince number one but his production started to lessen a bit and a certain someone started having some amazing games. Vince had a quite season though. He passed for 2,769 yards with 26 TD’s and 10 INT’s. He also rushed for 872 yards and 9 TD’s making himself the perfect dual-threat. Vince really did it all for Texas. He was a leader and lead by example. He silenced critics this year who said he couldn’t throw and has put his team in contention for a National Championship. Vince Young has already won the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien award this year for his outstanding play but I don’t see him winning the Heisman. Vince Young is expected to comeback for a senior season at which point he can try again for the Heisman Trophy but his accolades this year should not be forgotten.

Heisman Winner: Reggie Bush, RB, USC, Jr.

I expect Reggie Bush to take home the hardware this year, winning the Walker Award and eventually the Heisman Trophy. Reggie Bush had an unbelievable season this year. He amazed us with his ankle breaking cuts and playmaking ability. It seemed like every time he touched the ball he had the possibility to take it to the house. Reggie Bush rushed for 1,683 yards with 17 TD’s and had 383 receiving yards with 2 TD’s. He also returned a punt for a TD. Reggie took the college football world by storm making himself considered as one of the greatest running backs in college football history.
When USC was up against their toughest opponents, Bush shined. In the Fresno State game he had 513 all-purpose yards to lead his team to victory. I think on Monday night he will be awarded the Heisman Trophy joining the greats like Marcus Allen and O.J Simpson as USC running backs who have won the Heisman. I think Reggie Bush’s stats, playmaking ability and clutch-play will make him considered the most outstanding player in college football.

I’d just like to say that it has been fun doing this for the college football season and I thank all of you who voted for my articles even though you disagreed with my opinions.  I think we can all agree it has been a fun college football season and this Rose Bowl will be one to remember. Thanks again for all your input and comments I really appreciate it.