The Heisman Trophy was first awarded all the way back in 1935. Since then, an explosive defensive back named Charles Woodson remains the only defensive player to win the award. That’s right – in 81 years, only one guy took home the hardware playing defense.
While the notion seems to have gained traction in the last several seasons, it seems like little more than a novelty. It’s hip to find the next potential defensive Heisman contender, no? Look back to 2009. Nebraska’s defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was brilliantly dominant. Though many thought he deserved the award, voters ultimately elected Alabama running back Mark Ingram for the honors.
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Nonetheless, defensive Heisman hype was reborn. In 2011, LSU defensive back Tyrann Mathieu emerged as a serious contender. The Tigers looked like a team of destiny that year, defeating Alabama 9-6 in the “Game of the Century.” Nonetheless, a quarterback from Baylor named Robert Griffin III wrestled the Heisman away from him.
In 2012, known catfish victim Manti Te’o generated a ton of Heisman buzz. As a linebacker out of Notre Dame, Te’o was a game-changing force on defense. It still wasn’t enough to earn the Heisman over a freshman quarterback named Johnny Manziel out of Texas A&M.
The idea of a defensive player winning the Heisman is cute. It’s fun to talk about. Finding a candidate on defense feels like winning the lottery. Analysts feel smart. It’s all-around for fun for everyone.
However, all of the evidence points to the notion that it’s nothing more than a pipe dream.
Should the Heisman go to the greatest playmaker on one of the greatest teams? Or, should it go to the most valuable player to his team? Well, that’s the debate.
Regardless of where you fall on this issue, you can’t deny the emerging candidacy of Alabama’s stud defensive end, Jonathan Allen.
In part because “The Process” doesn’t foster self-promotion, Allen’s campaign is a quiet one. He is squashing the Heisman hype when prompted. All the while, bringing his lunch pail to work and producing on the field.
Everyone has seen his tackle on Texas A&M quarterback Trevor Knight by now. It resembled a spear straight out of a WWE ring. When you think of Allen as a Heisman contender, it’s his signature moment.
But, other than that, Allen as recorded six sacks and 35 tackles. He’s deflected a couple of passes and blocked a kick. The defensive end even scored a 75-yard touchdown against Ole Miss.
Those stats do not tell the entire story, though. Allen doesn’t exactly sizzle. He’s not catching 80-yard bombs or ripping off 60-yard touchdown runs on a regular basis. The analytics favor him, but he quite simply isn’t electric enough.
Allen is oozing with intangibles. He has an innate ability to take a play over. Opposing offenses show him the utmost respect, and his teammates continue to sing his praises.
Allen is destined to be a first round draft pick in the NFL, but the intangibles don’t show up on stat sheets. Ultimately, that’s what hurts his case the most.
It’s safe to say the Heisman is Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson’s to lose. Allen’s resume isn’t going to stack up with 38 total touchdowns. The Cardinals are 7-1, with Jackson throwing for 2,522 yards and rushing for 996 more.
You won’t hear me arguing that Allen deserves it over Jackson. But after the Louisville signal-caller, it’s a crap shoot.
Deshaun Watson hasn’t replicated his Heisman-worthy 2015 season. Jake Browning is virtually unknown outside of the Pacific Northwest. Jabrill Peppers happens to play defense as well.
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Is he the Heisman favorite right now? No, but he sure does belong in the conversation. So, how can you say the Heisman hype isn’t real?