“N.Y. State of Mind, Pt. III”

Saturday Spotlight– The 2019 Heisman Trophy Preview

1. Joe Burrow (LSU): For years, the knock on the LSU Tigers was their quarterback situation. They already had their running backs, a solid offensive line along with a defense. They just needed that guy under center to take them over the top. Meet Joe Burrow. Each time this kid stepped on the field; magic happened. He runs this offense so smoothly. Last year was his introductory chapter to the game. This year, he put it all together. He has tremendous vision of the entire football field. He just doesn’t rely on remaining in the pocket. Number nine can also move. Look at the mobility he displayed in the SEC title game against Georgia last week. What I like about his game is how he finds the open receiver. If you don’t put pressure on him, he’ll carve you up all game long. I’ve given him the nickname “Joe Cool II” because he’s always cool, calm and collected when it matters in clutch situations.

2. Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma)– I’m so happy and proud of this guy. If anybody has played any organized sport, being benched is the worst feeling in the world. He struggles in the title game a few years back, Tua Tagovailoa comes in to save the day. Instead of sulking about it, he stands behind his teammates instead. For his final year, Jalen decided to transfer to Oklahoma. For the third straight season, another Oklahoma quarterback has been invited to New York. The last two have won this award. Lincoln Riley helped Hurts become more of a passer this year. He trusted himself in the pocket more. I still remember the days when he would use his legs to get yards. Jalen helped lead the Sooners to another top-ranked offense in the country and another appearance in the Big-12 title game. I’m glad he received another chance to start so he can display what he can do on the field. You handle yourself well, you get rewarded for it.

3. Justin Fields (Ohio State): With Jake Fromm having the job at Georgia locked up, transferring made sense for Justin Fields. He had some big shoes to fill replacing Dwayne Haskins. I think Justin made quite the name for himself. He became one of the more exciting players to watch in college football this year. Have you created a player on a video game that can do it all? That was Justin this year. He made plays through the air with his arm and on the ground with his feet. Each week, I was amazed at what he was able to do. He was dominating teams on a regular basis. The crazy thing is he’s only a Sophomore! Justin accounted for 50 touchdowns this year. (40 touchdown passes, 10 rushing touchdowns). He threw one lone interception all year long. That right there shows you how well he takes care of the football.

4. Chase Young (Ohio State): He deserved this invite. This kid was the best non-offensive player in college football this season. Each week, you were always hearing about him. How would he dominate the game today? I haven’t seen a defensive player discussed this much at this level since the Myles Garrett days back at Texas A&M. Chase Young is also the closest thing, I’ve seen to Julius Peppers. You must always pay attention to him or he’ll wreck your entire game plan. I’ve seen him in offensive backfields more than running backs have been able to escape. What separates him from the others is that electric first step. He moves extremely well off the ball. He squares up to shed the block and he knows he has the quickness that’ll win him any battle up front. He’ll be a projected top three pick in the NFL Draft.

Prediction: Joe Burrow will win the Heisman Trophy this year. He was my pick since mid-October. At one point, this seemed to be Jalen Hurts’ award for the taking. That loss against Kansas State I felt hurt those chances (no pun intended). Joe has been consistently the best quarterback in college football all season long. He’s logged wins against five teams ranked in the top ten. What won him the award was the big win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. Last season, he threw only 16 touchdown passes. This year, he threw 48. What a jump. Every test this kid was given, he passed it with flying colors.