Tebow = Heisman Winner

The Heisman Trophy and All-America teams are too politically driven. NFL draft boards get skewed by team needs and exclude true freshmen and sophomores.

The only way to truly evaluate a player's impact is to study the film -- and I've done that throughout the 2007 season in order to compile my thirdannual All-Film Team. Granted, there are no checks and balances on a one-man committee. But at least my selection process is free of agenda and classlimitations.

Essentially, if I could draft a college football "dream team," the starting offensive lineup would be as follows:

Offense
QB: Tim Tebow, Florida (So.)

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Jason Parkhurst/US Presswire

Tim Tebow showed this season that he's equally adept at running and passing.
West Virginia's Pat White finished a close second. Hisintelligence and ability to read defenses are vastly underrated. But that's a different discussion for a different time. Dennis Dixon (Oregon) and Matt Ryan (Boston College) also were on the short list. At the end of the day, though, Tebowhas quite simply been the most dominant player at any position in college football this season.
He is a one-of-a-kind player. He brings fullback size, tailback running skills and linebacker toughness to the quarterback position. I will be the first toadmit I never imagined Tebow developing as a passer this quickly. Sure, Urban Meyer's system gives him a lot of easy reads and open receivers with whom towork. However, you don't finish the regular season ranked second nationally in passing efficiency unless you're making excellent decisions and accuratethrows. Tebow is doing both as a true sophomore. Looking for a couple examples? Try these:

Signature play(s):
• A 49-yard completion to wide receiver Percy Harvin with 3:51remaining in the third quarter versus Tennessee. Working off the zone-read fake, Tebow drilled a strike 44 yards in the air, hitting Harvin in stride. The Volshad them pinned deep, and Tebow delivered the backbreaker from his own end zone.

• Tebow's 30-yard completion to wide receiver Andre Caldwellwith 8:12 remaining in the second quarter versus South Carolina. It wasn't one of his seven touchdowns (five rushing, two passing) in that game, but it wasa great example of his advancement as a passer, nonetheless. He read Cover 2, showed patience in the pocket, got rid of the ball on time and fit it into atight window (between the corner and safety) where only Caldwell could make the catch.

RB: Darren McFadden, Arkansas (Jr.)

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Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Darren McFadden has just about everything you look for in a running back.
Tebow made a more consistent impact on a weekly basis this season, but McFadden gets the nod if we're ranking the nation's most dynamic talents.
McFadden's dual-threat (run and pass) ability as the signal-caller in the Razorbacks' Wild Hog formation is what makes most of the highlight clips.In addition to his freakish natural athleticism, I have been most impressed with McFadden's toughness as a runner. He runs a bit high, and his lower bodyis a bit lean. Yet, in studying him more on film this season, I have been pleasantly surprised at how many yards after contact Run DMC accrues throughout thecourse of a game. He is a great downhill runner. When it comes time to take on defenders, McFadden knows exactly when to lower his shoulder -- or lead with thestiff arm -- and he has a much stronger leg drive than people seem to think.

Signature play(s):
• Power. McFadden had a full head of steam, dipped his shoulders and laid the wood to a helpless South Carolina defender for a 14-yard gain in the firstquarter. It was the most impressive 14-yard gain I've seen this season.
• Speed. McFadden showed off his wheels on a regular basis, but no play showed his rare second-gear better than his 73-yard touchdown run in the third quarterversus LSU. Four Tigers defenders attempted to close on No. 5 when he broke through the line of scrimmage. None of them came close to tracking McFaddendown.

RB: Mike Hart, Michigan (Sr.)
Hart's lack of ideal size and speed will cause him to slip in the upcoming NFL draft. We can revisit that discussion in a few months, though. At thecollegiate level, I will take Hart as my premier runner over any other back not named McFadden. The 5-foot-9, 198-pound senior understandably limped to thefinish line after shouldering a 200-carry load in Michigan's first seven games. But for most of the past two seasons, Hart has used his vision, initialquickness, change-of-direction skills and sheer determination to thrive as Michigan's bell-cow back in its zone-blocking scheme. There's also somethingto be said for Hart's outstanding character and leadership skills. Oh yeah, he never fumbles either.

Signature play(s):
• Classic Mike Hart. He received the hand-off 5 yards deep, recognized the backside lane opening up, stopped on a dime, changed direction and burst through theline of scrimmage. He cut the run to the outside upon reaching the second level and dragged six Michigan State defenders down to the 11-yard line with fiveminutes left in the first quarter.
• Balance. Hart showed remarkable balance on a late first-quarter run versus Purdue. He hit the hole hard on a downhill carry, lowered his shoulder into apile, kept his balance while doing a full 360-degree spin over a pile of bodies and burst 8 more yards into the end zone for the score -- but not beforedelivering a stiff arm to a Boilermaker.

WR: Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech (Fr.)
Those who say Crabtree is a product of Mike Leach's system have not done their homework. The redshirt freshman is a remarkably fluid athlete for his size(6-3, 222). He also possesses exceptionally long arms and big hands.

Signature play(s):
• Yards after catch. This play, with 5:13 remaining in the first quarter, set the tone for Texas Tech in its shocking upset of Oklahoma. Working against zonecoverage, Crabtree plucked the ball on the run about 15 yards up the field. He stayed under control, made one sharp cut to shake a Sooners defensive back andnavigated through three other Sooners defenders for 60 more yards. His vision, fluidity and second-gear impress me for such a bigger receiver.

WR: Jeremy Maclin, Missouri (Fr.)
Kansas State's Jordy Nelson would be my No. 3 receiver on thisyear's offensive dream team. Nelson, despite inconsistent quarterback play, finished his senior season with 122 receptions. Michigan's Mario Manningham was much improved as a route runner this season and would beanother nice weapon as a No. 4 vertical threat. However, Maclin gets the nod as the starter opposite Crabtree because he's a home-run hitter withexceptional versatility. Maclin is the only player in Division I-A this season to hit pay dirt as a receiver, runner, punt returner and kickoff returner. Notbad for as redshirt freshman.

Signature play(s):
• Second gear. Maclin ran a simple 15-back-to-12 comeback route with 1:58 remaining in the first half of the Texas A&M game. He made the catch at the30-yard line with momentum nearly leading him out of bounds. Maclin quickly regained balance and tiptoed down the sideline while gaining speed. It's overonce he gained a step and turned on his burners for an 82-yard touchdown.

TE: Travis Beckum, Wisconsin (Jr.)
Beckum still has a lot of work to do in the weight room before he's ready to play tight end at the next level. But as far as a college all-star team isconcerned, there isn't a tight end in the country I would choose ahead of the speedy Badger. In addition to his rare athleticism at the position, Beckum isan instinctive route runner with exceptional ball skills. Plus, tight ends shouldn't make the amount of acrobatic receptions I found while watching film onBeckum from this season.

Signature play(s):
• Beckum has six touchdown receptions but none impressed me more than his 26-yard catch on the final drive of the first half versus Michigan. QuarterbackTyler Donovan did his best Houdini act, bouncing off threeWolverines defenders to avoid the sack and keep the play alive. But nothing comes of it if Beckum does not continue to work back to his quarterback. Oncerecomposed, Donovan found Beckum separating from double coverage and threw it up for grabs. Beckum climbed the ladder, plucked the ball at the highest possiblepoint and tucked it away while being slammed to the turf. It was a key first down that led to a field goal before halftime in the Badgers' upsetvictory.

OT: Jake Long, Michigan (Sr.)
When it comes to ranking offensive linemen in college football, Long is in a class of his own. There are better athletes out there -- like BSU's Ryan Clady(see below) and USC's Sam Baker -- but no tackle in the country comes close to matching Long's consistently dominant level of play. Through 12regular-season games as a senior, Long has not allowed a single sack, nor has he been penalized.

Signature play(s):
• Want to see Long in classic manhandle mode? Check out No. 77 work over a Spartan linebacker on the first play from scrimmage in the second quarter of theMichigan State game this season. It was priceless.

OT: Ryan Clady, Boise State (Jr.)
This was a tough call. Playing in the WAC, Clady doesn't consistently line up versus top competition like some other deserving candidates: Anthony Collins(Kansas), Kirk Barton (Ohio State), Michael Oher (Mississippi), Jeff Otah (Pittsburgh) and Chris Williams (Vanderbilt). However, I'm confident he wouldstart at left tackle for any team in the country -- except, of course, Michigan.

At 6-foot-6 and 317 pounds, Clady has a massive wingspan that engulfs opposing defenders. With another offseason in the weight room to improve his power,Clady should be even more dominant next fall. He also projects as a first-round pick in the 2009 draft.

Signature play(s):
• Clady showed off his feet and ability to anchor in pass protection on quarterback Taylor Tharp's touchdown pass with 13:27 left in the first quarter in the Broncos'win over Southern Miss. Clady actually dominated the Southern Miss defensive line throughout this game. Of the game tape I have seen of Clady this season, itwas his most complete performance from start to finish.

OG: Duke Robinson, Oklahoma (Jr.)
This massive junior has the frame to play tackle in a pinch, but he has been a fixture at left guard for the Sooners the past two seasons. At 6-foot-5 and 350pounds with explosive power, few college defensive linemen can hold their ground versus Robinson in a phone-booth battle. Each NFL draft typically sees oneguard come off the board in the first round. Robinson could be the one in 2009 if he continues to improve his feet.

Signature play(s):
• Everyone knew Robinson can dominate smaller defenders in the run game, but watch him shuffle his feet and stay balanced in pass protection versus TexasA&M this season. Robinson was especially impressive on the third-quarter touchdown pass from quarterback Sam Bradford to TE Jermaine Gresham with 9:40 remaining.

OG: Greg Isdaner, West Virginia (So.)
This could have been Eric Young (Tennessee), but he suffered a season-ending injury in the eighth game of his senior campaign. Isdaner earns the nod insteadfor his tremendously consistent production on one of the nation's most underrated offensive lines. The sophomore guard is one of the bigger members, at6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, yet he still shows very good mobility. Isdaner is everything coach Rich Rodriguez looks for in a lineman, including intelligence,toughness, solid technique, quickness, balance and a relentless work ethic.

Signature play(s):
• Check out Isdaner's second-level block on Noel Devine'stouchdown run with 6:40 left in the third quarter versus UConn. He showed good mobility getting in position and weared the defender out for about 10 yards.

OC: Alex Mack, California (Jr.)
There are several reasons for Cal's recent struggles. The center position is not one of them. Mack anchors a Cal offensive line that leads the Pac-10 andranks third nationally in sacks allowed the past two seasons. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound veteran is always in position, and nobody on the team fights harder tothe whistle. Mack fires off the line of scrimmage and is a vicious hitter. It seems all standout centers are credited with great intangibles -- and Mack is nodifferent. In addition to his intelligence and work ethic, Mack impresses me with his leadership-by-example approach.

Texas A&M's Cody Wallace, Bowling Green's Kory Lichtensteiger, Oregon's Max Unger and Wake Forest's Steve Justice all have played wellenough as seniors to warrant consideration. Unfortunately for them, Mack simply has been more dominant during his junior season.

Signature play(s):
• Watch Mack clear out a massive Oregon nose tackle with 8:38 remaining in the second quarter of this season's game in Eugene. It was a microcosm ofMack's career.

Specialists
PK: Taylor Mehlhaff, Wisconsin (Sr.)
A few other kickers across the country have slightly better statistics this season, but I will stick with the proven veteran. Mehlhaff has great experience,especially when it comes to poor weather conditions. His field goal accuracy has been excellent this season, connecting on 20 of 24 attempts. Plus, his big leggives him added value. Mehlhaff can deliver from downtown on field goals (51 yards is his long so far this season), and he's arguably the nation'spremier kickoff specialist, which is even more valuable with the change to kicking from the 30-yard line this season.

Signature play(s):
• Kickers don't really get signature plays, do they? But Mehlhaff's would have to be his long field goal connection from 51 yards out in the UNLV game.It actually gave Wisconsin a 12-10 lead in the fourth quarter of that surprisingly close contest.

KOR: Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas (Jr.)
It's hard not to wonder what type of numbers Jones would have churned out as a premier back at another school. To his credit, though, Jones never has shownfrustration playing in McFadden's shadow. Instead, he has managed to build quite a resume as a versatile No. 2 back.

Jones is not as big nor as powerful as McFadden, and he clearly comes up short in the arm-strength department. However, when it comes to breakaway speed,Jones sets the bar for the Razorbacks. That's one of the reasons why the return game has proven to be a nice showcasing outlet for the career backup. Withan average of 31.3 yards per kick return, including two for scores, Jones is giving opposing special teams' coaches even more migraine headaches thisseason.

Signature play(s):
• Jones provided a taste of his world-class speed with his 82-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter of this year's Kentucky game. One cut and gone.
 
Tommy Tuberville made a really good point about why McFadden deserves it more than Tebow, IMO


Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville's roots are in defense. His Tigers limited Tebow to 201 passing yards, his second-lowest total this season, and held McFaddento 43 rushing yards, his lowest total of the season. Tuberville said all quarterbacks are system quarterbacks.

"Look at Gino Torretta," said Tuberville, referring to the 1992 Heisman-winning quarterback from Miami. Tuberville coached the linebackers on thatteam. "He was the product of a system he ran for five years. He learned how to run it. Tebow was the old single wing quarterback. He just ran the ball andthrew it. You can score 20 [rushing] touchdowns if, every time you get the ball inside the five, they call your number."

Tuberville thinks McFadden should win the Heisman but that Tebow will win it. If the sophomore wins Saturday night, he will make history. He may also make"system quarterback" a term that can be used in polite company.
 
Originally Posted by dreClark

Since he won the Maxwel, he is not gonna win the Heisman
This is exactly what I was saying in the College Award thread. History says it all.
 
what the hell?

this dude just said 1000 words straight without taking a breath DAMN

i thought he was reading or something
 
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THIS SHOULD ACTUALLY BE THE 2ND SOPH TO WIN IT (GROSSMAN '01) BUT W.E
DAMN THIS DUDE TALKING FAST AND NERVOUS AS HELL
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