Nesbitt4Heisman.com? A great idea that, alas, won’t pan out
I yield to no one in my admiration for Joshua Nesbitt as a collegiate player. (No one, I tell you.) After the epic Florida State game last season I anointed him a folk hero. Last month I noted that I consider Nesbitt as valuable to Georgia Tech as any player is to any team on any campus. That said …
I don’t think he has a real shot at the Heisman.
Doing its job, the ace Tech sports information department is cranking the volume. It unveiled Nesbitt4Heisman.com today — he’s billed as “the most interesting player in college football” — and I applaud the effort. I also know this:
Only one pure option quarterback — Eric Crouch of Nebraska — has won the Heisman, and that was mostly because the 2001 season wasn’t overrun with greatness. (Rex Grossman of Florida finished second, Ken Dorsey of Miami third.)
The best option quarterback ever was Jack Mildren of Oklahoma. He should have won the 1971 Heisman, but he didn’t crack the top five. (Pat Sullivan of Auburn won, followed by Ed Marinaro of Cornell, Mildren’s OU teammate Greg Pruitt, Alabama’s Johnny Musso and Lydell Mitchell of Penn State.)
Tim Tebow was an option quarterback, sort of, but Tebow also threw for 3,286 yards in 2007, his Heisman-winning year. In two seasons as Tech’s starter, Nesbitt has passed for a total of 2,509 yards. He passed for 1,701 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2009, but not once in Tech’s 13 games did he attempt more than 16 passes and only once, against Mississippi State, did he complete as many as 10.
I know, I know. You Tech folks will say, “But the guy wins.” And I’m right there with you. But I know, having been one myself, how Heisman voters are: They can’t see every game, so they rely on highlights and numbers. Nesbitt’s passing numbers aren’t remarkable — he did, however, rush for 1,037 yards last season — and what he does for the Jackets doesn’t translate well on ESPN. (Think about it: How many times did the Worldwide Leader, which aired the game, replay his astonishing snatch of the ball from Florida State linebacker Nigel Carr?)
As you know, I’m often wrong. I would love being wrong about Nesbitt and the Heisman. He’s a fine fellow and a tremendous ballplayer. But I can’t see him winning the thing. Heck, I think he’ll do well to crack the top five.
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169 comments Add your comment
Atlantan
August 31st, 2010
5:37 pm
Nesbitt for Heisman! He is one of the toughest competitors in the country. In Year 3 of CPJ – look for the offense to roar.
Coolest in the Clutch
August 31st, 2010
5:47 pm
Nesbitt will unwrap a passing game to compliment his rushing.
The first Yellow Jacket in history to …..
win the trophy that honors Georgia Tech’s first football coach.
Tech Fan Since 1950
August 31st, 2010
5:58 pm
I hear you Mark. Or at least I read you. You seem to be a pretty fair hombre (most of the time). Today is August 31. The Heisman, I think, is handed out about the second week in December. No one has thrown a pass yet in football season 2010; no one has run a down; and no quarterback has called an official play. Writers and broadcasters get paid to write and talk and describe (maybe every now and then, ask a tough question). If it is preconceived that folks from ESPN and the know everything writers (and of course some of the ballots are cast by former Heisman winners) from around the country do not think the best player deserves the Heisman, so be it. I do not know if Joshua Nesbitt is the best player, but I think he can be and just needs a chance to prove it on the field with all of you watching. I do know that he is the toughest quarterback in the country and the best running quarterback and the best leader. He really is a pretty fair passer. Let the season play out and everyone vote for their favorite player in late November/December. Provided he stays healthy, there is no reason why Nesbitt can not be a legitimate candidate for the Heisman. Folks who just focus on the forward pass have it all wrong. I’ve seen Joshua throw some pitch outs that should qualify for at least a five yard pass or more. Go Jackets and Go Joshua!
Mark Bradley
August 31st, 2010
6:00 pm
You’re right, Tech Fan Since 1950. If Nesbitt was throwing the ball five yards forward instead of five yards behind him, he’d have serious passing stats.
Nesbitt4Heisman.com? A great idea that, alas, won’t pan out – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)
August 31st, 2010
6:15 pm
[...] Nesbitt4Heisman.com? A great idea that, alas, won't pan outAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Tim Tebow was an option quarterback, sort of, but Tebow also threw for 3286 yards in 2007, his Heisman-winning year. In two seasons as Tech's starter, …Comparing Nesbitt to past Heisman winnersAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Brock
August 31st, 2010
7:14 pm
Gotta love what Paul Johnson says in response to questions about Nesbitt for Heisman:
Have you seen the Nesbitt4Heisman.com website?
Somebody sent it to me yesterday and I thought it was interesting. It is catchy and good and he is certainly deserving. Hopefully he will have his best year.
What does he have to do to win the Heisman?
Get more votes than the other guys.
bcinbuford
August 31st, 2010
7:24 pm
Okay, so Nesbitt won’t probably win the Heisman Award. At least we know that no one from UGA will even be mentioned. By the way, get rid of the UGA vs UF ad banner. The damn thing won’t close even when you hit the Close button. It must be a viral thing like everything else coming out of Athens.
wes
August 31st, 2010
8:46 pm
Bradley, when Nesbitt wins it, I will hunt you down like a Cleveland sports anchor and force your pen to write glowing reviews of the best player in the country!
I’m good and mad now gosh darnit!
TechPhi97
August 31st, 2010
10:04 pm
Pat White was in the Top 5 in 2007, and I think if they would’ve gone undefeated he would have received more votes. Tough to beat Tebow that year.
If Nesbitt can have similar rushing yards, break longer runs, and connect on more TD passes, he may have a shot to get some votes. To win it, he’ll need to go undefeated.
Bill
August 31st, 2010
10:16 pm
I live in Savannah.I saw Tracy Ham many times and he was great.But the best option QB I ever saw was Rocky Felker of Miss.St.This is coming from a Gator not Bulldog fan.
GT GRAD
August 31st, 2010
11:01 pm
WHY is it that soooo many of the media pundits ‘which will eventually vote for the Heisman Trophy winner’ have already formulated a list of potential Heisman candidates……………let the players play the games (at least a few games) and THEN decide who deserves consideration for the Heisman based on ACTUAL performance on the football field!
It is essentially the same thing as preseason team rankings……..teams initially ranked in the Top 5 have a huge advantage with regard to playing in the NC game. The higher your preseason ranking the harder it is to win your way into the NC game……..even if the team ends up undefeated.
I am irritated by the fact that WAY too many college football programs are trying to secure the easiest schedule they possibly can…….this approach helps to ensure a higher preseason ranking AND gives your team a solid shot at going undefeated. I say absolutely no games played against teams ranked outside of the Top 100 should count for the BCS standings!! Does anyone out there agree with this radical approach. It would be more fair AND give us all better (more competitive) games all season long?
If Nesbit stays healthy, he WILL be in the running for the Heisman. If he stays healthy and he is not being considered for the Heisman………..it will simply be one more example of another unfair situation in the world of NCAA football created by the ultra-biased media pundits and power/money men in control of NCAA Football.
macrotech
September 1st, 2010
12:27 am
If Tech wins eleven games this year…Nesbitt is a long shot…voters want glamour, not a work horse. Thank you for the kind words from UGA fans that have spoken objectively on this blog. I’m LAUGHING at all the pup fans that are trashing Nesbitt because they don’t have a ‘dawg’ in the hunt.
GTater
September 1st, 2010
2:50 pm
I know its not technically included in his “passing” stats, but why don’t critics consider Nesbitt’s PITCHES to the A-backs as “short passes?”
I would bet that if a statistician were to compile these numbers, his “passing yards” would be at least comparable to the top QBs. And when you think about it, most of these “spread” QBs who are throwing tons of bubble screens are doing nearly the same thing as Tech. They’re putting the ball in their playmakers’ hands and setting up blocks to get them in open space to make plays. The compilation of these yards with his passing stats this year should put him in Heisman contention.
GTater
September 1st, 2010
3:02 pm
I think 2-3 1000 yd rushers (outside of Nesbitt), 2-3 600 yd “receivers”, and 25 total TDs (for his stats) would make Nesbitt look better as a Heisman contender. He’d make a case that he’s getting the most out of other players involved in the offense and making plays for himself when they’re there. I actually think he hurts his chances if he has to be a 1000 yd rusher. He ’should’ be around 700-800 yds.
Thanks Again
September 1st, 2010
3:43 pm
To all the Nesbitt (BUUUHHUUUWWWAAHHHAAHHAA) for Heisman posters
I haven’t laughed that hard since the last time I drove by the joke.
Thanks Again
September 1st, 2010
3:47 pm
For recruiting Nesbitt
We love him in Athens. Keep him at douche U forever.
Thanks Again
September 1st, 2010
3:47 pm
for 30-24
Thanks Again
September 1st, 2010
3:48 pm
for 8 of 9
Thanks Again
September 1st, 2010
3:48 pm
for 73-66
Thanks Again
September 1st, 2010
3:49 pm
for 60-39-5
GT Sambo
September 1st, 2010
5:15 pm
I think Nesbitt has a chance to be in the discussion for Heisman, but a lot of things have to go right for Tech and Joshua personally this season. #1 – Must improve completion %… this is a big one, but also the one that has a chance to move the needle the most in voters minds. IF (big IF) Nesbitt is able to improve his completion % to 55% to 60%, it is not unreasonable to see him throw for 3,000 yds over 13 games (incl ACC championship game). I think 3,000 is the magic number in voters minds. #2 – Must run the offense efficiently, this includes averaging at least as many yds per game as last year. #3 – Must gain 1,000 yds on the ground (I think this is the magic statiscical number here). #4 – Must have several signature wins (like UGA in 2008, FSU & VT in 2009) or at least a signature performance in a loss (like Joe against FSU in 1999). Even if he does all this and Tech wins another ACC championship, it will still depend on what the other top candidates do. But IF all this happens, I think Nesbitt would certainly be in the discussion.
GT Sambo
September 1st, 2010
5:20 pm
By the way, to all you UGA fans who think Nesbitt is coming out of left field for an award like this, remember that he finished 2nd in ACC POY voting to CJ Spiller, and some of those same people vote for the Heisman.
Golden Hand
September 1st, 2010
7:08 pm
His only shot would come if Tech went undefeated and their pass blocking and route running got a LOT better than last year. Nesbitt had VERY high pass-efficiency numbers last year (top 10 nationally), so it’s not like he can’t throw the ball. But he’ll have to throw it about 50 percent more often, and complete over 55 percent, for anyone to notice him as a QB.
If you’re the best player on the No. 1 team, you have a legit shot at the Heisman, even with unconventional stats. But that’s a huge “if” for Nesbitt.
Sage of Bluesland
September 1st, 2010
11:12 pm
Wow, there are more girls in that photo than at the “institute” itself. Even Don Waddell knows that, and he won’t even return my emails!
Not so fast
September 1st, 2010
11:42 pm
I am betting on Mark Bradley not panning out at AJC, oops that was suppose to be a secret
Saint Simon
September 2nd, 2010
9:23 am
I’m still Gay!
Paul Johnson's Cornhole
September 2nd, 2010
9:25 am
BRACE FOR IMPACT!!
JacketFan
September 2nd, 2010
1:25 pm
Yeah, Caleb King has a chance … so long as he doesn’t get arrested sometime this season.
BULLDAWG BILL
September 2nd, 2010
5:18 pm
NESSBITT FOR HEISMAN —WHAT A JOKE!!!!!!!!!
North Avenue School for Virgins
September 3rd, 2010
12:23 am
If Nesbitt does manage to win it, just think how excited all the virgins at tech will be!!
stendek
September 4th, 2010
4:20 pm
YELLOW JACKETS STINGERS OPERATIONAL:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Yellow-Jackets-Sting-South-Carolina-State-41-10
Really? THIS year?
September 4th, 2010
7:13 pm
Last two games – Orange Bowl and the season opener = 20 yards passing…yeah, it could happen!
Really? THIS year?
September 4th, 2010
7:15 pm
Seems like Nesbitt should be arrested for today’s performance.
dawgmatic
September 4th, 2010
7:17 pm
I really can’t be too hard on teck’s performance today.
How could I? It wasn’t even on TV, and of course there was no one there!
Bobby Dudd
September 4th, 2010
11:58 pm
Nesbitt for Heisman? That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard!
Bullone
September 5th, 2010
10:56 am
After watching SC State game it strikes me that GT is even more one-dimensional than last year, with Nesbitt being that dimension. Defenders are likely to quit worrying about the other backs and focus on Nesbitt as a result (he tends to be a bit of a ball hog anyway). That will make his game even tougher, especially without a passing attack. No Heisman, more losses than last year. As a GT alumni (and 49 year fan), I hope I am wrong.
Bullone
September 5th, 2010
10:58 am
Enter your comments here
Demarcus Dobbs
September 5th, 2010
1:09 pm
Nesbitt made some awesome pitches to the A-Backs….highlight reel stuff….Mark, you’re crazy….this is exciting football!!!!!
One Game = Joke = UGA
September 5th, 2010
3:53 pm
I think Murray the Midget should win it. After all, he looked really good against LL Highschool yesterday. THWG! Nesbitt is better than any player UGA has including the corrupt Green, the hit/run Ealey, the alcholic Mettlinberger and the rest of your jailbirds. get a life and get a grip. UGA = JOKE!
Rod
September 7th, 2010
8:07 am
Heisman?
HE CAN’T EVEN THROW THE BALL!!!!!
Spike
September 7th, 2010
1:09 pm
Tommy Frazier of Nebraska was the best option QB ever. Don’t agree? Back to back national championships. And ask Spurrier and the Gators about it.
buzzman
September 7th, 2010
5:34 pm
I have a feeling it is going to be a long year for tech and Nesbitt. Alot of teams are catching on to the option. I feel we will lose to Miami,Clemson,Va. Tech, until Nesbitt figues out how to pass, we are going to lose more than these 3. This will be the year we beat Georgia.
Headley Lamar
September 8th, 2010
11:00 am
How about completing a pass before we talk Heisman?
From 11-3 to 14-0
September 9th, 2010
6:14 am
.
. . . . . Go Jackets . . . . .
.
Seriously?
September 10th, 2010
10:02 am
Nesbitt for Heisman? Wait… can you win the Heisman Trophy playing for an FCS team? Do they have an award for the “Best converted DB playing QB for a second tier program?” He’d definitely be in the top five for that award.
Socks&Sandals
September 10th, 2010
10:08 am
Josh Nesbitt brings home the Heisman! Man oh man, that would have to be like the most exciting day ever for their crowd of five or six fans…
Apu
September 10th, 2010
12:23 pm
Everyone knows the Heisman race is just a beauty contest, so that pretty much disqualifies right from the start anyone or anything related to Tech.
Thank you, come again…
Say Huh??
September 10th, 2010
7:45 pm
Nesbitt for Heisman is sort of like Lane Kiffin for Coach of the Year.
Reality
September 10th, 2010
10:21 pm
Can a pure passing QB win the Heisman? Sure. Many have. So why not a pure running QB?
Why are passing yards better than running yards? The last time I checked, a yard is a yard is a yard.
With that said, there is no logical reason Nesbitt shouldn’t be on the short list for the Heisman. However, the key word here is “logical” and the voters go for the glitz and glammer rather than the blue-collar guy….. that is not very logical when it comes to football, is it?
longdog
September 11th, 2010
4:27 pm
Kinda looks like a loss to an unranked team washed nesbitt for heisman up, those are pretty girls why don,t the black girls not like him it he must have a small johnson like coach man boobs johnson