COMMENTARY

Defensive players worthy of Heisman

— I didn’t vote for Manti Te’o - not at the top of my Heisman ballot anyway - but it had zero to do with where he lines up on a football field.

I just thought Johnny Manziel was better. Better than everyone, in fact. But not because he plays quarterback. Tackling Manziel is like tackling smoke, but I gave full consideration to everyone who tackles for a living.

I’d have no problem if the Notre Dame linebacker wins the award, for several reasons. Mostly, thatringing endorsement of Te’o would stamp defensive players as worthy of the award, but it also would make Dec. 8 a national holiday in Samoa.

You remember defensive players, don’t you? They’re eligible to go as the first pick of the NFL Draft. (Mario Williams in 2006 comes to mind.) They’re recognizable on American streets. They’re the main reason Notre Dame is playing for the national championship.

But in Heisman history, they’ve pretty much been relegated to second-class citizens. Though not with everyone.

I voted Charles Woodson first in 1997 ahead of quarterback Peyton Manning, and one of my best friends still hasn’t forgiven me. Give it up, Larry. Woodson’s still the onlyprimarily defensive player to win the Heisman, but he was a stud on kick returns and could catch a pass, too. (Never saw Manning on any kick returns at Tennessee.) I also voted for Ndamukong Suh on plays he made for Nebraska in 2009 - before the whistle. I would only vote for him for This Generation’s Conrad Dobler now.

But all of us 928 Heisman voters should be more cognizant of the democratic process and think out of the coaching box. Why shouldn’t defensive players be as eligible for the Heisman as quarterbacks and running backs, who have a disproportionately weighted advantage? Two tight ends have even won the award. Hey, even kickers should be. Well, maybe not. That’s too radical.

On my ballot this year, Te’o was third behind runner-up Collin Klein and first-place Manziel, but I strongly considered Te’o. I just didn’t think he was the best player in college football.

Still, this is going to be an historic Heisman. Either the first freshman, first linebacker or first Kansas State battering ram will win the Heisman.

If Te’o’s name is called out first at the Saturday ceremony, it’ll mark a big breakthrough for defensive players everywhere. After all, leveling the playing field is way overdue.

Defensive players need some love, too. In truth, I probably would still have voted for Manziel this year even if he was listed as a Texas safety.

Sports, Pages 18 on 12/06/2012

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