THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, October 16, 1995 TAG: 9510160175
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Bob Molinaro
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
If the Heisman Trophy isn't what it used to be, then neither are the candidates for the award.
They aren't household names is what I'm trying to say.
The other day, a reminder arrived from the Downtown Athletic Club of New York. My Heisman ballot would be expected in a couple of months.
So many players, so little time.
The feeling around the country is that there is no clear-cut favorite for the Heisman. If memory serves, it has been this way for a few years now, ever since underclassmen began jumping to the pros in droves.
A glance at last year's Heisman results provides no help. Of the top 10 vote-getters, the only returning player is Lawrence Phillips - suspended Nebraska running back and accused woman-batterer.
This year, there is no Steve ``Air'' McNair acting as catalyst for Heisman hyperbole. In 1994, the idea of a Division I-AA quarterback from Alcorn State winning the Heisman created intrigue.
Though McNair finished a distant third to winner Rashaan Salaam and Ki-Jana Carter, his presence in the race got people talking.
Getting people talking about the Heisman this year may be more difficult. The magpies on ESPN who spend their Saturdays trying to coax America into caring about college football's most prestigious, but increasingly irrelevant, individual award have their work cut out for them.
To begin with, nobody who understands football takes the Heisman seriously. Who impresses the sophisticated fan more? The first player selected in the NFL draft or the one anointed by a distracted media that believes its own hype?
The Heisman, now in its 61st year, has survived regional biases and political maneuverings. It has survived Andre Ware, Ty Detmer, Desmond Howard and Gino Torretta.
But today, the biggest threat to the Heisman is public perception. It is seen, I think, as an anachronism.
Still, someone from a field of offensive players is going to receive the award. It is my duty to participate in the process.
Let's see now. Florida's Danny Wuerffel didn't hurt his chances Saturday. The senior quarterback passed for four touchdowns and 380 yards against Auburn.
Meanwhile, Florida State quarterback Danny Kanell passed for 323 yards and five touchdowns in the first half, albeit against defenseless Wake Forest. At the same time, Kanell's teammate, Warrick Dunn, ran for more than 100 yards for the sixth game in a row, bringing his yards-per-carry average to 10.3.
These three Heisman hopefuls are bound to split the Florida vote. Perhaps this opens the way for Nebraska quarterback Tommie Frazier, who accounted for five touchdowns Saturday. Or Ohio State running back Eddie George, who reached the end zone three times against Wisconsin.
Another player who is starting to interest me is quarterback Peyton Manning, the heart and soul of Tennessee. Should I discount him because he's only a sophomore? Why, when he might turn pro after his junior year?
It is entirely possible, if not probable, that I am overlooking a qualified candidate. Heisman officials don't demand great insight from a voter, just enthusiasm.
When the time comes to submit my ballot, I won't even pretend that my picks are any better or savvier than anyone else's. There's a chance I might even have seen my Heisman favorite play once or twice on TV.
All I can promise is that I will spend more time deliberating than the Simpson jury. by CNB