The Unknown Heisman

There’s a name on the list of Heisman trophy nominees that I bet the average football fan doesn’t know.

The casual fan more than likely couldn’t tell what team he plays for, what position he plays, what statistics he has racked up, and how to even pronounce his name.

Johnny Cash knows his name.

It’s a boy named Suh – and he might be the most deserving Heisman candidate.

Ndamukong Suh, defensive tackle for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Still can’t pronounce his name? Let’s have the stats tell the story.

Suh dominated in the Big 12 championship game against Texas and fellow Heisman candidate Colt McCoy, recording four and a half sacks – a Big 12 championship game record.

The problem is that the Heisman award has become a beauty pageant.

I’m as guilty as anyone when it comes to overlooking Suh. I knew of his star power on the defensive side of the ball, but I didn’t know his specific stats and his Heisman potential.

By the way, it’s pronounced En-dom-ah-ken Soo, and he racked up a total of 12 sacks this season.

His nomination is the first for a defensive player since 1997 when Michigan’s Charles Woodson became the only defensive player to ever win the Heisman (but even he returned punts and played a little wide receiver).

Hopefully this recognition for Suh’s efforts sets a precedent for non-“skill” players at getting a shot at winning the Heisman. Unfortunately, I don’t see it happening even though these players deserve the award just as much as any pretty-boy quarterback.

It has become socially ingrained in the world of football that the skill positions are the most important and most publicized players in the game.

The Heisman Trophy is supposed to go to the best player in college football.

The Heisman website notes that its mission is to “recognize the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity.” There is no way that the most prolific player in college football is consistently year in and year out a quarterback, wide receiver, or running back.

Let’s examine a quarterback that we’ll call “Exhibit A” as an example. This person is 57th in completions, 49th in passing yards, tied for 39th in passing touchdowns, 61st in total rushing yards, and tied for 24th in rushing touchdowns.

Without knowing who this person is and by looking at sheer stats alone, would he be considered to be one of the best players in college football?

Everyone should offer a resounding, “No!”

The above stats belong to none other than Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, who will almost without a doubt beat out Suh in the Heisman running, even though he probably shouldn’t be nominated.

The players, voters, and fans need to put aside any preconceived notions that certain positions can’t win college football’s biggest honor.

It’s about time that defensive and even special teams players got the recognition they deserved as the best players in football.

If he wins the Heisman, everyone will know his name.

But until then, life ain’t easy for a boy named Suh.

(Photo Credit: Bleacherreport.com)