heisman

So Tebow wins the Heisman...saw that coming. He certainly deserves it, but I will go as far as to say the voters made a mistake. Call me a homer if you will, but without a doubt Darren McFadden is not only the best and most well-rounded offensive player in the country (at least that I've heard of) but also among the most valuable to his own team. While Florida routinely has huge recruiting success and thus is loaded with talent, Arkansas didn't have much of a supporting cast for McFadden this year. He all but singlehandedly carried them to a pretty good season and a Cotton Bowl berth. Put him in Florida and he still looks as good if not better. Put Tebow at Arkansas and he has a tough time, because without the high-powered offense to work with defenses can lock in on him alone like they do McFadden. Both are good, but McFadden is just a game-changer in ways that Tebow isn't and he's had to prove himself more.

That being said, Tebow certainly seems like a decent enough guy. He's a missionary kid who received most of his formal education at home -- which was probably the Philippines for a bit of his life, as his parents are full-time missionaries who run an orphanage over there. In fact, he's been working and preaching -- yes, preaching -- there since he was 15 years old. Come to think of it, given his background, how the heck did the guy morph into a superstar quarterback? He's always quick to mention God when reporters speak to him. (I know, that's surface stuff that isn't in any way indicative of deeper faith, but it is at least an indication of positive role model material.) He says he has no plans of leaving school early and will instead postpone the megabucks to finish what he started. Despite his on-field personality, he comes across as level-headed and humble.

So while I would have rather seen McFadden win the Heisman because his on-field accomplishments speak louder, it's nice to see a guy get it who seems likely to use the fame it brings in good ways. With all the losers in sports these days, especially college football it seems, good guys need all the exposure they can get (provided it doesn't corrupt them). Let's just pray that Tebow continues to be who he seems to be. And let's also pray that McFadden doesn't carry on the strong tradition of former Razorbacks taking their criminal ways with them to the NFL (see Kenoy Kennedy, Carlos Hall, Ken Hamlin, et al). The path to stardom is well-trodden with players who let their fame and fortune go to their head.

On an ending note, I can't help but point out that the other two Florida Heisman winners are Steve Spurrier and Danny Weurffel (the latter being another great guy who was part of an inner-city ministry in New Orleans last I knew). Hope you do better at the next level than those two did, Tim.