The Heisman award is coming upon us quickly. On Saturday, December 11th, the Heisman will be given out to one of a handful of hopefuls. Cam Newton, Andrew Luck and LaMichael James are the frontrunners for this years Heisman trophy. A dream most every college athlete hopes to attain someday, then of course, comes the ensuing dream of being a professional football player.

The Heisman represents the exceptional college football player whose game best demonstrates the pursuit of excellence, simply put, the best of the college athletes. Even though the award classically goes to an offensive player, the last defensive player to receive the Heisman was Charles Woodson back in 1997, and he wasn’t a full time defensive player, he played WR as well. And overall, in the last 60 years, no full time defensive player has ever won the trophy.

But, what we are going to discuss today is at the next level, what merit does the Heisman really carry? Do the best college players, winners of the almighty Heisman award, end up as great NFL players? Should there be higher expectations from a Heisman winner? I think so. Shouldn’t the player who is the greatest in college football, if the player, who no one was better than, in any other position on the field, with thousands of athletes playing, be at least a star in the NFL? I believe you should be. Of course the NFL is a much different game, that’s understood, but the finest should be able to adapt and move forward in their environment.

Some of the past Heisman winners, including Gino Torretta, Andre Ware, Danny Wuerffel and Ron Dayne. Are ideal examples of busts. Andre Ware did nothing only throwing 5 TD passes in his career. Torretta was terrible, lasting only 2 years. And Dayne certainly didn’t live up to anywhere near the hype that was enveloped over him.

Winners Tim Brown, Earl Campbell and Tony Dorsett have done quite well for themselves. Tim Brown has had a HoF career, with 100 TD and over 14,000 yards receiving. 1995 winner, Eddie George ended up a 4 time pro bowler in 9 seasons in the NFL.

Surprisingly, there are only 8 Heisman winners of the 75, in the NFL hall of fame. Really not all that remarkable, is it?

So is too much expected? I am one who thinks that the number 1 draft pick in the NFL, ought to end up as a hall of fame player someday. Personally, if you merit being the pinnacle of the group, you should be. The Heisman similarly should hold that standing as well.

This year’s favorite, Cam Newton from Auburn, has had a remarkable season, putting up insane numbers, 67% completion passer, 28 passing TD and another 20 on the ground. But, do we believe he is going to be a great NFL player? Can you see him being a future hall of famer someday? A pro bowler? All maybes. Will he likely be the number 1 overall pick in 2011? I don’t think so at this point, being that Carolina is looking like they have that spot reserved, and presently I don’t think they are ready to chuck aside their QB of the future Jimmy Clausen just yet.

Only time will tell with this year’s winner, what his NFL future holds for him. Maybe he will be phenomenal, and have a thriving career. Maybe he ends up like Ty Detmer.

The NFL is a different game, a tougher game, a faster game. Some guys grasp it, some never do. But, one thing is for sure, it’s certainly enjoyable to watch the ride, and see how they play at the next level.
 

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