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
John
December 5th, 2010
2:26 pm
It’s tough to see how any spread-offense QB can be placed in the same company as Herschel or Bo. The position – in the hands of a superior athlete like Newton (or Tebow before him) – compiles gaudy statistics quicker than Larry King changes suspenders.
Tebow and Newton were / are damned good, not doubt about it. But they touch the ball every offensive play and the scheme deftly utilizes their fellow play-makers to generate deception and mis-matches. I don’t think football yet has an answer for how to defend the elite spread QB’s.
Contrast that with Herschel and Bo. Who’s getting the ball? They are. Here they come, either right, left or up the middle. Try to stop ‘em.
That’s all time greatness.
Kudos to Tim and Cam. But they are beneficiaries of a system. OK. they’re masters of the system.
But if we’re judging all-time greatness – not just the sports media’s crush-du jour – then I cast my vote with the tailbacks of the 80’s.
Ramguy
December 5th, 2010
2:26 pm
If Walker had an offense that had any kind of passing attack there’s no telling how far he would have gone. He was on very average teams and they were close to winning the NC 3 times. People may shoot at me but Vince hurt him as much as he helped him. If Bowden was his coach UGA might have won 2 if not 3 championships. If Richt was his coach he would have been redshirted.
Hey, Jim?
December 5th, 2010
2:27 pm
sorry, but Steve can’t answer you with any kind of intelligent thought right now.
He’s drunk on media KoolAid and can’t see straight — wouldn’t know a fact if it hit him between the eyes.
Bobby Lowder -- you're wrong
December 5th, 2010
2:28 pm
If you get paid to “lay” — that makes you a prostitute.
Skitty Fritty
December 5th, 2010
2:28 pm
Remember the tailbacks of the 80’s didn’t have linemen who could hold onto the jersey when blocking. This one change in the rules has made the offenses almost unstoppable. It’s not holding as long as you keep your hands within the shoulder blades.
Bobby Lowder
December 5th, 2010
2:31 pm
Isn’t a prostitute a pro? I guess this does apply to Cam because they both get paid to play or lay. They also have a handler – Pimp & Cecil Newton.
Jim Pierce
December 5th, 2010
2:33 pm
lol @ Hey Jim … a true statement.
oakwooddawg
December 5th, 2010
2:36 pm
Cam Newton may be arrogant and possess a $hit eating grin but he is one hell of a football player–one of the best if not the best I have ever seen. He is 5 times better than Tim Teabow and you know Urban Cryer has been crying all season long over the fact that he didn’t keep Newton in Gainesville. Newton and Auburn will destroy Oregon–beat them by 30 or more points. I just hope he goes pro cause I don’t want the dawgs to have to face him again. I wish Auburn had beaten the ole ball bag coach more than they did because stevie, as he has proven over the years,loves to run up scores.
War Eagle
December 5th, 2010
2:38 pm
UGA and Bama fans, the envy smashers, you are rude damn people. I have ever read a blog with deteriorated remarks about a young FOOTBALL PLAYER that has NOT been found liable for one single recruiting violation..YOU PEOPLE WANT HIM GUILTY BECAUSE HE SPANK YOUR BUTTS. By the way NCAA found Green and Darius GUILTY
The World Is Insane
December 5th, 2010
2:40 pm
CAM = CASH AND MONEY
Bobby Lowder
December 5th, 2010
2:42 pm
Cam’s always been an Auburn man. Oh yea, I forgot about Florida, JUCO and wanting $ from MSU.
The World Is Insane
December 5th, 2010
2:42 pm
Auburn fans. Would you please act like you’ve been in this position before? I hope you beat Oregon and celebrate your success. And, then in the near future, your “house of cards championship” falls down.
I can’t wait!
Coach William Alexander
December 5th, 2010
2:43 pm
My vote still goes to Clint Castleberry
macrotech
December 5th, 2010
2:44 pm
I’m not a fan of the question…it’s completely absurd to even go down the road as to ‘WHO’ is the best player of all time…uga fans will say the Hershell Walker is, Auburn fans will cry, “Bo Jackson OR Cam Newton”, UF fans believe Tebow was the best and so forth….IF Cam Newton played for ANY other school, the fans of THAT school would tout him the best and Auburn would refer to him as ‘Scam Newton’. The fact is, the dude is a stud and he’s proven to be MOST valuable to the Tigers…his efforts last night were amazing! Sadly, whether or not he had any knowlege regarding Daddy-gate, he’ll be remembered as one of the best QBs money could buy!
Jim Pierce
December 5th, 2010
2:46 pm
Gamecocks beat Ga. 17-6. Auburn beat SC 56-17. Both Auburn and Ga. gave up 17 points…. and OUR defense stinks? lol
Bobby Lowder
December 5th, 2010
2:47 pm
If Cam returns to college for 2011 then what team will he play for? He’s already tried Florida and Auburn. Maybe Vandy could pony up some $ and get his services for 2011.
macrotech
December 5th, 2010
2:47 pm
I’m not a fan of the question…it’s completely absurd to even go down the road as to ‘WHO’ is the best player of all time…uga fans will say the Hershell Walker is, Auburn fans will cry, “Bo Jackson OR Cam Newton”, UF fans believe Tebow was the best and so forth….IF Cam Newton played for ANY other school, the fans of THAT school would tout him the best and Auburn would refer to him as ‘Scam Newton’. The fact is, the dude is a stud and he’s proven to be MOST valuable to the Tigers…his efforts last night were amazing! Sadly, whether or not he had any knowlege regarding Daddy-gate, he’ll be remembered as one of the best QBs money could buy
Jim Pierce
December 5th, 2010
2:47 pm
Georgia just prays Cam goes Pro lol
marcus
December 5th, 2010
2:48 pm
did your daddy put you up for sale? that’s all you talk about. you can’t find it in you to give the kid a dab of credit for being good. what’s up with you anyway? when tim tebow was at florida, he wore custom made suits and $400-600 dollar shoes. did you write anything about that? no! the talk was about this white, christian, quarterback who wallowed in jesus and made neanderthals like you ecstatic. you are a hypocritical, racist pig! i hope they prove or disprove that the kid actually knew what his father was up to. then you can either gloat some more or shut the heck up. amateur athletics in the s.e.c. is a joke and you know it. tebow’s people had no money, but you never looked into where he lived or what he drove. if money has been the issue all along? why did it take this long for then to ask for it? did he get anything from florida? uga is notorious for their boosters and the perks the players at athens get are legendary. open up the can all the way if you’re trying to get to the content. you want a pulitzer? then dig deeper. a-hole……
The World Is Insane
December 5th, 2010
2:48 pm
CAM = CECIL ADMIRES MONEY.
Bobby Lowder
December 5th, 2010
2:48 pm
Auburn prays he will go pro also because if he comes back then he might enroll at Miss. State. Where was Cam’s Dad during the SEC title game?
Jim Pierce
December 5th, 2010
2:49 pm
Lowder: All you are proving here is that you are a fraud and a slanderer.
Bobby Lowder
December 5th, 2010
2:49 pm
CAM = Cecil Asks for Money
Jim Pierce
December 5th, 2010
2:49 pm
Lowder: Once again, you show your lack of class, and lack of understanding. Keep it up.
Bobby Lowder
December 5th, 2010
2:50 pm
Jim Pierce:
I think you will find out your statement is true after the FBI gets done with its investigation of my bank.
WAR CAM EAGLE
December 5th, 2010
2:50 pm
Hay Dawgs:
Lets try to stay in the present ok? We own the SEC Championship and are number 1 in the NCAA.
You SUCK and are number one only in your freaking minds
Cecil Newton
December 5th, 2010
2:52 pm
Cam = Daddy’s little money bags
$ I love my boy $
Jim Pierce
December 5th, 2010
2:55 pm
Lowder: Your bank has already BEEN investigated lol
Cecil Newton
December 5th, 2010
2:57 pm
WAR CAM EAGLE.. Glad you was church this morning. Thank you for your generousity with the offering plate. Cam will do good and I will prosper even greater riches after we win in Glendale. $ I love my boy $
Tide Rising
December 5th, 2010
2:57 pm
The looming pro football lockout for 2011 would make for a very interesting year in 2011 for college football. A lockout means Cam and Fairley come back to AU for their senior years. On Bama’s side it means we keep Ingram, Julio, Barron, Dareus, Hightower, and Upshaw. So personally I’m hoping for a lockout. UGA would also get AJn and Justin Houston back for another year. AU would be good again with Cam back and Fairley but would drop some just due to having such a strong senior class this year- 24 seniors. Bama loses 8 seniors and UGA I’m not sure of though I know they would lose at least 2-3 good O-lineman. Those who think Cam is one and done, or any other great juniors, may be disappointed- or elated- depending on who you got coming back. The season is almost over but we’ll have a lot to talk about the next 2 months depending on what happens with a possible pro lockout.
Cecil Newton
December 5th, 2010
2:58 pm
Jim Pierce.. The ATM cards still work just fine, and the gift cards too !
Jim Pierce
December 5th, 2010
2:59 pm
LIE number One:
Former Mississippi State player Kenny Rogers claimed on ESPN Radio in Dallas that he witnessed Newton’s father, Cecil, tell two Mississippi State coaches last November that the school would have to pay to sign his son. (Nov 12th)
Rogers said he hadn’t talked to Bond in 20 years. “have not talked to John (Bond) or seen John in over probably 20 years or more. Probably 20 years or more I have not talked to John or seen John”
Bond later confirmed on WCNN-AM in Atlanta that Rogers was indeed the person who contacted him while claiming to represent Cam Newton.)After Rogers made his second denial today about talking to Bond, the former MSU quarterback Bond said the following to ESPN:
“Rogers again denied talking to Bond during Thursday’s interview, but he identified Bill Bell, another former Mississippi State player, as a contact between he and Bond. However, Bond told ESPN that he has phone records that will prove he spoke directly to Rogers.”
“I absolutely talked with Kenny Rogers, and there are phone records that will show that.”
4 out of the last 5 we own the weagles!
December 5th, 2010
2:59 pm
nuff said
Jim Pierce
December 5th, 2010
3:00 pm
Rogers sends a text to Bond with for a payment plan.
Bonds cell mysteriously has water damage and no texts are produced.
Kenny Rogers did not say that he heard Cecil Newton mention a dollar figure to the Mississippi State coaches.)
Then he states that he witnessed Cecil Newton asking MS coaches for money to sign Cam .
If Cecil didn’t state an amount, how did Rogers know how much he was asking for?
Too Funny
December 5th, 2010
3:01 pm
You cannot say any player is the ‘greatest collegian ever’ after playing just one year. He has had one of, if not the best season that I can remember but to compare him to a Tim Tebow is kind of silly. TT showed he was one of the best ever to play the college game over 4 years. Over 50 games of beating opposing defenses designed to stop only you…No, Cam is a collegiate (cough-cough) football player but not the best ever by a loooong shot..
Cecil Newton
December 5th, 2010
3:01 pm
Dang if there is a lockout I’ll have to put up with all this Auburn Family , ALL IN crap for another year. The pays ok but enough is enough.
Jim Pierce
December 5th, 2010
3:01 pm
During the segment of what ESPN aired from the Dallas radio station Rogers indicated more than once that he didn’t remember what was said.
Rogers first stated it would take 200,000…. with a discount because of the relationship between Mullen and Cam… so it was 180,000. THEN he later stated “between 100,000 and 180,000. Stupidest comment yet – between $100,000 & $180,000. If you sell a car, do you ask for amount between $8,000 & $10,000 or do you name the top dollar?
Mindy
December 5th, 2010
3:02 pm
Najeeh: <As good as Cam Newton looks (especially from an NFL point of view) he’s not a better college football player than Tebow until he wins two championships.
Tebow won ONE – Chris Leak won the other, Tebow was on the team tho.
Jim Pierce
December 5th, 2010
3:03 pm
First it was a conversation between Rogers and Bond about the payment. THEN it was a meeting with two MSU coaches. First, he stated it was Cam AND Cecil asking for payment…… THEN it was only Cecil.
First Rogers states he never offered Cam to MSU for money, and has never offered anyone ‘for money’. He stated that “families” paid him for his services. So he would have gotten a “cut” from any payment.
Jim Pierce
December 5th, 2010
3:03 pm
Kenny Rogers = MSU Booster
John Bond = MSU Booster
Bill Bell = MSU Booster
Rogers said today he heard Cecil Newton ask for money in presence of two MSU coaches in late November. He also said he called Bell because he didn’t have that kind of money and needed to discuss w/Bell. 3 MSU boosters discussing money and MSU coaches know about it and keep recruiting Cam. SEC spokesman said today that no mention of this conversation was in the original info sent by MSU in January nor in the follow up in info sent in July.
Didn’t report the conversation to SEC, coaches were present, continued recruiting.
Cecil Newton
December 5th, 2010
3:04 pm
Cam is worth more than Tebow. Yall folks need to get ya minds right.
Jim Pierce
December 5th, 2010
3:04 pm
Yeah…everything points to Auburn. MSU is clean.
74 Dawg
December 5th, 2010
3:04 pm
The best that money can buy:)
Cecil Newton
December 5th, 2010
3:06 pm
Jim Pierce.. You know too much, are you one of them NCAA investigators or what ?
Jim Pierce
December 5th, 2010
3:08 pm
Cecil: it’s been said “where there’s smoke, there’s fire”…. More than once.
Just saying the smoke is coming from MSU, not Auburn. Get over it.
Jim Pierce
December 5th, 2010
3:09 pm
Im actually looking foward to the apology Bradley will write when all this is cleared up.
Or will he?
Cecil Newton
December 5th, 2010
3:10 pm
The smokes coming from you. And I aint gonna say where your trying to blow it.
Tide Rising
December 5th, 2010
3:10 pm
Jim Pierce,
My head’s hurting just trying to keep up with all the Rogers/Bond he said/she said stuff. I think its pretty well acknowledged by any reasonalbe person that the Rogers guy has a very checkered history and his credibility is questionable at best. Same with Cecil after his admission of soliciting money.
The best thing he can do is just come out and say where and how his church got the money for the repairs and just put the whole thing to rest. The church is under no legal obligation to do so as I understand it but it would sure eliminate any suspicion about a pay for play scheme if they would just do that.
74 Dawg
December 5th, 2010
3:12 pm
Seriously, he would have to come back and play at least 2 years. The sec was in a very down year this year. He did not have to face the 2008-2009 Tide defense or the 2008 Florida defense. if Alabama gets the points they wasted in the first half, if Garcia doesn’t implode in the 4th quarter of their regular season game, if UGA could play 4 quarters ..well maybe not that last one… we wouldn’t even be having this discussion,even though it wouldn’t be Newton’s fault.
Cecil Newton
December 5th, 2010
3:12 pm
The preacher don’t play that auburn family game brutha.