Bradford next in line for multiple Heismans
Wednesday - December 05, 2008
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Del.icio.usIt’s finally over! We’ll give you a break and finish with the top five.
1. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma, QB, So., 11-1. No. 4 AP. (Last Week: 1)
Last week: 30-44, 370 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs, 1 Rushing TD; QB rating: 168.8 in a 61-41 win at No. 11 Oklahoma State.
Season: 268-393 passing, 4,080 yards, 46 TDs, 6 INTs, 5 rushing touchdowns. QB rating: 191.
Bradford road the roller coaster of competition all season to end up where he began - atop the Heisman Trophy list. By winning the award as a sophomore, he’s become the second player in as many years with a chance to catch Archie Griffin as the only men to be twice named the game’s best player. Because of his style of play, he’s got an even better chance than Tebow had because his predecessor’s role was purposely limited this year. Bradford won’t have that problem in 2009 if he decides to return, which if he’s smart he’ll do. Bradford is as polished as any quarterback in the country, but an additional season would be a huge benefit physically and economically. Out of the two, the second will likely be the bigger factor.
2. Graham Harrell. Texas Tech, Sr., 11-1. No. 8 AP. (Last Week:
2)Last Week: 41-50, 309 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT; QB rating 143.1 in a 35-28 win over Baylor.
Season: 306-568, 4,747 yards, 41 TDs, 7 INTs, 6 rushing touchdowns. QB rating: 163.
Harrell came into the season as a “system quarterback” from a second-tier program with little chance to win college football’s oldest award. As it was, he came within one game of winning the statue and a place in the national title game.
In his senior season, Harrell proved himself to be a smart field leader with an accurate arm who played under control and mastered his offense. However, draft wonks remain unimpressed with his future as an NFL quarterback, calling him a career backup. A second-day selection shouldn’t be surprising as Harrell will have to prove that unlike his “system” predecessors, ie, Andre Ware and nearly every BYU QB, he’s more than just a byproduct of an efficient scheme. At 6 foot 3 and 206 pounds, he’s a bit undersized for an NFL quarterback.
3. Colt McCoy, Texas, QB, Jr., 11-1. No. 3 AP. (Last Week: 3)
Last week: 23-28, 311 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 11 rushes, 49 yards, 2 TDs; QB Rating 199 in a 49-9 win over Texas A&M.
Season: 291-375 passing, 3,445
yards, 32 TDs, 7 INTs, 117 rushes, 527 yards, 10 TDs; QB rating: 179.2.
Rumor has it that McCoy’s decision to turn professional after the season could hinge on whether Detroit is looking at taking a quarterback with the first pick in the draft. Any truth to the story seems unlikely as he’s already commented about returning for his senior season and because the draft is easily manipulated to scare away unwanted suitors. Beyond winning a national title or Heisman Trophy, there is no other reason to risk further injury in college. Neither award will boost his draft-day status, and he’s likely to enter a more crowded field as
Bradford and Tebow are most likely to return for another season. McCoy won’t tumble as far as another Colt did a year ago, but the lesson is there. Timing is everything.
4. Chase Daniel, Missouri, QB, Sr., 9-3. No. 19 AP. (Last Week: 4)
Last week: 25-41, 288
yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs, 9 rushes, 103 yards; QB Rating 142.4 in a 40-37 loss to Kansas.
Season: 331-441 passing, 3,880 yards, 34 TDs, 13 INT; 50 rushes, 239 yards, QB rating: 168.5.
Missouri had its eyes on the mythical national title and its senior signal caller on the individual award. Neither will happen, but Daniel can look for a bit of conference payback by ruining Oklahoma’s shot at a national title game with a win in the Big 12 championship. His future, however, isn’t as clear. Daniel has good mobility, but not enough for teams to forget about his small size (6 feet) and less than ideal arm strength. Second-day employment offers and backup opportunities are most likely in his future.
5. Tim Tebow, Florida, QB, Jr., 11-1. No. 2 AP. (Last Week: 5)
Last week: 12-21 passing, 185 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT, 16 rushes, 80 yards, 1 rushing touchdown; QB rating: 178.3 in a 45-15 win at Florida State.
Season: 160-246 passing, 2,299 yards, 25 TDs, 2 INTs, 137 rushes, 507 yards, 12 TDs; QB rating: 175.5.
Just missing out on a national title shot is likely to convince Tebow to return for a final season in Tallahassee. Confusion about how his abilities will translate to the NFL game should be an even better reason for playing out his eligibility. Tebow is an enigma. He’s a unique athlete who seems to have no ceiling yet appears to lack some basic professional skill sets. His physique and arm strength are plusses but too often he seems to get by on athletic ability more than practiced technique. He’ll also have to prove himself as a pocket passer as he lacks NFL scrambler speed.
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