Serious question: Is Cam Newton the greatest collegian ever?
Say what you will about him, but he can play the game. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
For a month, the question involving Cam Newton has been, “Did he or didn’t he?” Just for today, let’s try something different. Let’s ask instead: “Is he or isn’t he?”
As in, the greatest player in college football, and not just this year.
As in, the greatest ever.
Said Steve Spurrier, who won the Heisman and who has coached a Heisman winner: “That’s a good question. I don’t like putting anybody at the top, but he might be the best running quarterback probably ever to come through college ball.”
Gene Chizik coaches Auburn, so he doesn’t qualify as a disinterested party. But the same Gene Chizik was the defensive coordinator on a Texas team Vince Young willed to the 2005 BCS title, so he does have standing in the matter. And Chizik, asked if he’d ever seen a better college player than the one he has now, said this:
“No. It’s that simple. If you look over a 13-game span, I’ve never seen anything like it. And it’s running the ball, throwing the ball. Usually great quarterback usually do one or the other better … what God’s blessed Cameron with is the ability to be really, really good at both.”
Then: “We have one game left, so he can’t too big a head with one game left, but I can say he’s probably the best football player I’ve ever seen.”
Said Newton: “Wow.”
We might never know how Cam Newton came to be an Auburn Tiger, but let’s leave that for later. Let’s focus today on Cam Newton, Auburn Tiger. Let’s examine a quarterback who, in one SEC championship game Saturday, managed to replicate the best of what both Danny Wuerffel and Tim Tebow, Heisman winners from Florida, had done in this event on this field.
Against Spurrier’s Gamecocks, Newton passed for 335 yards and ran for 73. He accounted for six touchdowns — four passing, two running. He converted third-and-longs out of nothing.
The thinking was that South Carolina, having seen Newton in his game-of-arrival Sept. 25, might be better suited to get a hand on the irresistible Cam. Turned out the Gamecocks had no idea. They couldn’t sack him and couldn’t cover his receivers. They couldn’t even prevent him from — another Heisman reference! — pulling a Doug Flutie.
Sixteen seconds left, first half: The Gamecocks draw within 21-14. Newton throws two passes, the first for eight yards, the second for 51-yard deflected touchdown as time expired.
About here, you thought to yourself: “Tim Tebow never did that.”
Yeah, yeah. Nobody ever wondered if Tim Tebow’s daddy put him up for sale, either. But if we’re comparing the two quarterbacks — and it wouldn’t seem fanciful to do so, given that both played in the SEC and ran a spread offense — the sainted Tebow never worked the wonders in any of his four seasons that Newton has wrought in his one.
A year ago — to the day, Newton emphasized — this quarterback was winning a JUCO national championship with Blinn College of Texas. On Saturday he had won the SEC title and booked passage to the BCS title game and done it in his hometown to boot. “Words can’t explain it,” said Newton, meeting the media for the first time since Nov. 9.
Then: “It’s a wonder what God can do in a person’s life, in such quick fashion. I thank Him single every day. As soon as my feet touch [the floor] my knees touch … I can’t even be happier than I am right now.”
Newton began his postgame session by reading a statement: “I’ve done nothing wrong, and I’m only going to answer questions about football and this game.” And ordinarily we hard-nosed media types would have snorted with laughter at such a request. But such was the majesty of Newton’s play that the request seemed almost reasonable.
We can and will spend the month before Auburn plays Oregon in Glendale, Ariz., parsing the latest reports and allegations — and you just know some will be forthcoming — but for this night it was possible to revel in a performer and his performance. And we would like, so as not to leave the question posed above unanswered, to offer this:
Cam Newton is the second-best college player I’ve ever seen. Herschel Walker, and only Herschel Walker, was better. And not by much.
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995 comments Add your comment
JPTigers
December 5th, 2010
9:22 am
And Aubie fans should forgive the rest of the world for assuming that Cam or his daddy was paid, given they asked for money, and given Auburn’s long history of paying players.
So we are “assuming” guilt on AU now even though no evidence even exists at this point? You would be a great DA there Joey. BTW AU has not had any violations in ALMOST TWENTY YEARS!! Coach TT came in & cleaned up the program sorry I can’t say the same for thUGA LoL
NoGaGator
December 5th, 2010
9:22 am
As much as I respect the accomplishments of Tim Tebow, I believe Cam Newton has surpassed him for the one season and one season only (take any of Tim’s seasons to compare). The same goes for Herschel Walker.
In Tebow’s Sophomore season, he had similar numbers. He won the Heisman yet his team went 9-4. He also had a superior supporting cast (Harvin, Caldwell, Ingram, et al). The one advantage Newton may have is that Malzahn may be a better OC than was Mullen.
Newton flat out dominated games and other teams this year like no other. When has a stocked-up Saban team been dominated before by one player?
To do what he did on the field with everything else that was swirling around is even more incredible. That takes a lot of cajones.
This has only to do with between the lines. He obviously has has had some character issues and a sense of entitlement (as well as his dad, the pimping Reverend).
Time will tell if anything else comes out on Newton (possible FBI wiretaps still to come re; Auburn boosters) but he has had the most incredible season I’ve seen.
mat
December 5th, 2010
9:22 am
It is the trick offense run by Malzahn that helps his numbers. Try teaching your defense to handle their responsibilities and to quit being glory boys and you can shut that offense down. If the NFL is truly a copycat league, they would run so sort of the spread opition.
Steve
December 5th, 2010
9:22 am
No, you have to do it more than 1 year to even be in the conversation. Lucky year, that’s all.
HE MY BABY DADDY
December 5th, 2010
9:24 am
IF…………. HE WOULD STAY ONE MORE YEAR WE COULD JUDGE THIS QUESTION A LITTLE BETTER. WITH THIS OFFENSIVE LINE HE HAS ,IT APPEAR’S HE’S ONE OF THE BEST NO DOUBT WITHOUT THIS OFFENSIVE LINE…….WELL,WE’LL NEVER KNOW!!!
Carlton Powell
December 5th, 2010
9:24 am
Couple of thoughts if I may.
First, after one year full year in major college football, it’s a bit early to annoint ANYONE as the greatest ever. I do realize that Cam did play some at UF, but this was his first real year of extended play, whereby one can gauge his overall abilities. And in 2010, his abilities were incredible.
Second, if I had a Heisman vote, I ABSOLUTELY would not vote for Cam. Winning the Heisman is privledge, not a right. At this writing there is simply too much “stuff” surrounding this guy. I am old school and look to past Heisman winners such as Pete Dawkins & Roger Staubach as winners with kind of character I am seeking. At the same time, I do realize that in today’s college sports environment, finding winners with such “character” is probably not possible, but voters SHOULD strive to move more in the direction of these type winners rather that someone who’s actions leave considerable character question marks.
Third,Auburn had a great year. A lot of good players worked hard to make it so. They deserve a shot at the MNC, and I wish them the best. But, WDE fans, if you think this saga is over, I fear you are living in dreamland–and I don’t mean the BBQ restaurant. Once the NCAA AND FBI get their noses under your tent, look out. The fact that nothing much is being said by the highest level of these organizations is not good. If there were no compelling facts and circumstances, wouldn’t someone have said so by now? These investigations take time. Get the class notes from Pete Carroll and USC.
Fourth, I found it interesting that during the broadcast of last evenings game, Vern Lunquist said that the reason Cecil Newton was not at the game was “that because of his complicity in the pay for play scandal, he has been ordered to stay away from Auburn athletics.” Pay for Play scandal? Really Vern? I thought this was just a misunderstanding, and that AU and Pops Newton had been totally cleared of any wrongdoing. Wonder what ole Vern really knows. And if he knows, how many others know.
Fifth, if there really IS anything to all this “stuff,” the principals involved will probably all be long gone by the time any penalties are handed down. It will be the responsibility of those in charge at that time to clean up the mess, and live with potential sanctions.
Trooper Taylor
December 5th, 2010
9:25 am
Don’t I look cool with my hat on backwards?
SCAM Newton
December 5th, 2010
9:27 am
I am the GREATEST. Bow to me you idiots.
RJ Dawg
December 5th, 2010
9:27 am
Auburn and Cam will go down just Like Bush and USC.
HE MY BABY DADDY
December 5th, 2010
9:28 am
@NoGaGator,YOU SIR ARE SPOT ON!!!! THE SUPERIOR SUPPORTING IS THE KEY ON BOTH HE & TEBOW!!!
Nativebird
December 5th, 2010
9:28 am
Best to ever steal computers? sure.
Joey
December 5th, 2010
9:29 am
Reread it JPTigers. I used the words, “assuming”, and “history”.
I didn’t accuse Cam and Auburn of anything.
T. Tebow
December 5th, 2010
9:29 am
If he was so great, why couldn’t he beat me out as starting QB?
Furman Bishop
December 5th, 2010
9:29 am
Can he handle the “Quack Attack”, as they say on the left coast?
JPTigers
December 5th, 2010
9:29 am
Success breeds haters, it’s bound to happen. When all the facts come out I’m sure the haters will find a way to twist it against us. Best to just do what he have done all year…..block ‘em out & DO OUR TALKING on THE FIELD! Last night was the best STATEMENT we could have made! War Eagle! Never mind what haters say…..Ignore em til they fade away…..
BigGreenTribe
December 5th, 2010
9:30 am
With all the truly great collegiate football players over more than a hundred years this column becomes a sad joke. Not to mention that many of the greats played both ways-offense & defense. This guy has played one year, was thrown out of a previous college for having other people take his tests, and is no more a collegian than Yogi Bear.
Save the plaudits for deserving individuals.
uga2002
December 5th, 2010
9:31 am
i don’t believe in ranking players 1, 2, 3, 4, but I do believe in ranking by tiers and the top tier of cfb Cam belongs in that top group and probably the best qb ever. What did they say yesterday, he’s outscored 87 div 1 teams? his passing looked incredibly good yesterday except for the drop fest his wr’s had in the 2nd quarter. i thought it was about to be the reverse of the iron bowl after scar scored and it was 21-14. but that team comes alive in the second half.
HE MY BABY DADDY
December 5th, 2010
9:31 am
@CP 9:24 AM….DITTO!!!!
Razorback Redd
December 5th, 2010
9:31 am
Congrats to the War Eagles. You’ve made a believer out of me. Don’t believe the entire SEC is against you just because Dawg and Bama fans are sour over losing to you. Your SEC Championship put us in the Sugar Bowl! So thanks for the win over the Gamecocks and good luck in Glendale. I know where I’m placing my bet and it does NOT walk like a duck, sound like a duck, or look like a duck!!
Vince D
December 5th, 2010
9:32 am
He only played 1 year at Auburn. Don’t get me wrong, he had a great year, but Bo Jackson was a better player the Cam. You have to be careful with that word greatest!
JPTigers
December 5th, 2010
9:33 am
Success breeds haters it’s bound to happen. When all the facts come out, haters will twist it against us no matter what. Best to do what we have done all year….Block em out & do our talking ON THE FIELD! Never mind what haters say, ignore em til they fade away……WDE
Razorback Redd
December 5th, 2010
9:34 am
Congrats to the War Eagles. You’ve made a believer out of me. Your SEC Championship put us in the Sugar Bowl! So thanks for the win over the Gamecocks and good luck in Glendale. I know where I’m placing my bet and it does NOT walk like a duck, sound like a duck, or look like a duck!!
SCAM NEWTON
December 5th, 2010
9:34 am
I’m the best money can buy.
Razor Redd
December 5th, 2010
9:36 am
Congrats to the War Eagles. You’ve made a believer out of me. Your SEC Championship put Razorbacks in the Sugar Bowl! So thanks for the win over the Gamecocks and good luck in Glendale. I know where I’m placing my bet and it does NOT walk like a duck, sound like a duck, or look like a duck!!
RJ Dawg
December 5th, 2010
9:37 am
All yall need to watch Sports reporters on ESPN and see what they are saying about Scam Newton.
JPTigers
December 5th, 2010
9:38 am
That’s my problem Joey you are “assuming” even though NO evidence even exists at this point. Simply asking that u reserve judgement until all the facts come out. Let me ask you this Joey: Why haven’t Oklahoma or any other of the schools that were recruiting Cam come forward with allegations that Cam was being shopped around? Stoops even said “nothing unusual” came up? Something’s not right here. It wasn’t just MSU & AU trying to get him…
Razor Redd
December 5th, 2010
9:39 am
Congrats to the War Eagles. You have the support from the Razorbacks. Your SEC Championship blowout put us in the Sugar Bowl so thanks for the win over Spurrier. Good luck in Glendale. I know where I’m placing my bet and it does NOT walk like a duck, sound like a duck, or look like a duck!!
uga2002
December 5th, 2010
9:40 am
CP@9:24, reread the findings by the NCAA and you’ll see why Cecil now has limited access to Auburn. Thats not new. According to some former NCAA people that I’ve seen and heard this week, the Newton thing is over. Evidently that announcement and the fact it was already in the hands of the reinstatement folks means they’re done unless something else comes forward. The FBI is investigating political corruption in Alabama, not ncaa violations which are not a crime.
JPTigers
December 5th, 2010
9:40 am
No thanks RJ I won’t base my opinion on a bunch of half-baked hacks who sit around & come up with ways to smear AU & Cam LoL
mike
December 5th, 2010
9:43 am
The first question after he read from his prepared text should have been. ” Cam did you write that or was that written for you or did you copy it ie., Florida”
Greatest collegiate player ever. Never a doubt Jim Thorpe. Just read articles on the physicality of the game back then and todays players would not even last a practice.
1eyedJack
December 5th, 2010
9:43 am
What’d the Devil give you for your soul Cammy?
Bud
December 5th, 2010
9:44 am
HE’S ONE OF THE BEST FOOTBALL PLAYERS AND WITHOUT A DOUBT THE GREATEST LIAR IN NCAA HISTORY.
JPTigers
December 5th, 2010
9:45 am
Here’s the quote from Stoops
Meanwhile, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, who also recruited Newton out of Blinn, said he saw “nothing at all” out of the ordinary during that process.
“Our recruitment of Cameron could not have been better, or was just fine,” Stoops said.”I didn’t notice anything and none of our coaches did as we were recruiting him.”
Cam-e-lot
December 5th, 2010
9:46 am
Welcome to Cam-e-lot! The Kingdom has become reality!
God Bless America.... and no one elsa
December 5th, 2010
9:46 am
Obviously, the answer to the #1 question in Bo Jackson. Star play in college and the pros in two sports. A level no one else has achieved in the modern day. Interesting that some want to supplant him with another Tiger, but I agree that you need more than one excellent year to make that assessment. To those who put H. Walker in the #1 spot, look at the stats and ask youself how you can be such a homer.
uga2002
December 5th, 2010
9:47 am
Andy Staples has a great article, Auburn vs the world.
The anti Auburn stuff (not just from bitter rivals) makes me think Auburn wins as Oregon has been struggling lately since the Cal game and a month off will probably not help their critical passing offense.
Gene
December 5th, 2010
9:47 am
Newton is the best football player I have seen in games I have attended. Walker was the best running back I have seen in games I attended–particularly in his freshman year. Jim Thorpe remains the best player of all time in my opinion. Thorpe punted 70 yards, drop kicked field goals, and dominated both offense and defense. He also buggered Eisenhower’s knee in a game against West Point. I don’t doubt that Newton would be a very good defensive back, but can he drop kick field goals?
Steve
December 5th, 2010
9:47 am
Newton’s a system QB, like the Hawaii guy a few years back. Will never do anything in the Pro’s, look at Vince Young.
mike
December 5th, 2010
9:49 am
Also notice in his text the emphasis the phrase ” I did nothing wrong “. Just like the days of Florida uh Cam. Remember the line I dont know why I tossed it out the window but I know who stole it. I have done nothing wrong. Same story Chapter 2.
Bham Dawg
December 5th, 2010
9:49 am
Cam Newton has the least class of any football player that has ever been in the position to win the Heisman Trophy. He has been proven to be a thief (knew that he purchased a stolen lap top) and a cheat (purchased term papers at Florida) and now we are supposed to believe that he can’t be a liar and had no knowledge of what his father was doing. Are the Auburn people so desperate to win a National Championship that they do not see that Cam Newton is all about Cam Newton and cares nothing for Auburn or the Auburn Nation. His one and only thought is now that his father has gotten his money he can’t wait to get his in the NFL next year. I hope you Auburn people after selling your soul to the “Cult of Cam Newton” enjoy the coming years of without him and Nick Fairley and the new coaches at your university promote poor sportsmanship among your players and you lose 24 seniors. We will be waiting for you next year but in the meantime, “GO DUCKS”!
JPTigers
December 5th, 2010
9:50 am
Yeahinto R UGA2002 what’s funny about the political corruption investigation in Alabama is that some of the figures being investigated actually have UA ties as well LoL. It’s completely seperate from the NCAA investigation, though the FBI was looking Newton’s recruitment from the ROGERS/MSU angle but not AU. The NCAA will probably wrap this up soon, Rogers has been completely discredited at this point
Fairley is mean:)
December 5th, 2010
9:51 am
UGA can’t over the fact they we physically whipped them on both sides of the ball. They have talent but do not know how to coach it. Have fun in Memphis pups. War Eagle!!
Waaaahhhh
December 5th, 2010
9:52 am
@Bham Dawg
we’ve never heard of the Leg Humper Bowl but that’s what 6-6 will get ya.
RJ Dawg
December 5th, 2010
9:54 am
The truth will come out on Cam Newton and expose him for what he is lying cheat.
JPTigers
December 5th, 2010
9:55 am
Enter your comments here
MikeP
December 5th, 2010
9:56 am
Let’s see, “Robo Coach”, “High school offensive coordinator” and Ted “Leaky” Roof have just won the SEC Championship. LMAO!
Now the above outfit has beaten the Dawgs four times in one year! Once 49-31, once 28-27 when all the Dawg fans became bamzos for a day, a third time when the NCAA ruled Cam Newton and Auburn free of any wrong-doing, and the fourth time when all those that had become Dawg-Cocks for one night lost again. Y’all root for Oregon, ya’ hear? It’s fun whuppin’ a bunch of DullDawgs week after week.
Earl
December 5th, 2010
9:56 am
The best player in college football is determined by the Heisman Trophy not personel opinion. He would have to win three to be the best.
Waaaahhhh
December 5th, 2010
9:57 am
@RJ Dawg
Smelling like some linberger in herr. Guess you need some whine with that cheese.
JPTigers
December 5th, 2010
9:57 am
No RJ when he gets cleared before the BCS Champ game u & every other Hater out there will be wiping the egg of your face, “exposed” to the world for all to see. “When God is on my side…..Who can be against me?” – Cam WDE!!!!
Waaaahhhh
December 5th, 2010
10:00 am
I’m still waiting for that double helping of crow the Rammers and Leg Humpers promised us the week of the Iron Bowl.