One Man’s Vote
Heisman Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award Voting

In order of voting by
Frank Coyle
www.draftinsiders.com

Heisman Trophy Voting

#1 Troy Smith - Senior, Quarterback - 6’1” 215 lbs. - Ohio St.
The All-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year has led his team to a perfect 12- 0 record this season and a berth in the BCS title game. He has 2,740 yards of total offense this year with a school record 30 TD passes while leading the Big Ten in pass efficiency with a 167.87 figure. He completed 67% of his passes for 2507 yards and 30 TDs. His performance was outstanding and he completed his strong final season with his third straight win over #2 Michigan to complete a perfect regular season. He should win in a fairly strong landslide this Saturday.

#2 Brady Quinn - Senior, Quarterback - 6’4” 225 lbs. - Notre Dame
He owns 35 school records including single season records for pass completions (274) and touchdown passes (35). He has completed 63.4% of his passes (274-432) for 3,278 yards with 35 TDs and just five interceptions this season. He was also a finalist for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award in 2005 and 2006. He failed to be the difference in ND two biggest matchups vs Michigan and USC both of which were lopsided losses.

#3 Darren McFadden - Sophomore, Tailback - 6’2” 210 lbs. - Arkansas
The leading runner in the SEC and ranks eighth in the nation averaging 123.75 yards per game rushing this season. He was mainly their workhorse feature back with the versatility to throw and catch the ball. He had a dominant performance in the tough SEC and warranted an invite to the Downtown Athletic club. This season, he rushed for 1558 yards for a fine 5.9 yard average and 14 TDs. He was an honorable mention All-American and consensus freshman All-American while earning first-team All-SEC honors at tailback and being named the SEC Freshman and Newcomer of the Year.

#4 Ray Rice - Sophomore, Running Back - 5’9” 195 lbs. - Rutgers
Super soph has been the catalyst for the great Rutgers season. He ranks fourth nationally in rushing with 135.9 rushing yards per game and holds the school single season record for yards rushing (1,624) and a fine 5.2 yard average. His 19 TDs have led the Scarlet Knights to a 10-2 record so far this season and had them in a position to capture the school’s first ever Big East title only to finish 3rd in the conference. He is one of three sophomores ranked among the top rushers in the country.

#5 Steve Slaton - Sophomore, Running Back - 5’10” 195 lbs. - West Virginia
He is the nation’s second leading rusher averaging 147.4 yards per game and 1733 yards and an amazing 7.1 yard average per carry and 16 TDs. He combines with QB Pat White to give the W Va offense the most dangerous duo in college football. Slaton is also terrific receiver with big play ability. He was 2005 Big East rookie of the year, second team All-Big East and ECAC rookie of the year.

The Official Heisman Trophy ballot accepts only the top three candidates.

Jim Thorpe Voting -
Final Voting

#1 - Leon Hall - Senior, Cornerback - 5’11” 195 lbs - Michigan
Big agile cover man has been a shutdown cover man for the tough Wolverine defense. He holds school records for longest fumble return for a TD (83-yards) and career passes broken up (43). He is a unanimous All-Big Ten first team selection the past two seasons.

#2 - Reggie Nelson - Junior, Safety - 6’1” 195 lbs. - Florida
Athletic junior safety has been a difference maker for the Gators talented defense over the ’06 season. He has recorded 42 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and four interceptions (6th in the SEC) this season. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week after returning an interception 70 yards for a TD. He is also a vital member of the punt block and punt return unit and has one blocked punt this season.

#3 - Aaron Ross - Senior, Cornerback - 6’ 190 lbs. - Texas
Athletic senior cornerback has been part of the best secondary in college football the past two seasons. He has recorded 77 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and 18 passes broken up this season. He is second in the nation for passes defended (23) and third in the nation for forced fumbles (three). He has developed quickly over his final season.

The Official Thorpe Award ballot accepted the top three finalist as candidates.

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and votes in all the major college awards - the Heisman Trophy, Lombardi, Outland, Jim Thorpe including all the defensive awards. He is also a voter for the FWAA on the weekly College team polls, the Grantland Rice Polls. He is a nationwide radio and TV personality and makes frequent appearances on sports talk shows from coast to coast. He has been a regular guest on major radio shows such as the Score in Chicago, Sporting News Radio, ESPN Radio nationwide, WEEI Boston, WFAN in New York and Sports Extra in San Diego as well as every major sports talk show nationwide. His Heisman Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award ballots will be released in early Dec.