Tuesday April 21, 2009

Spiller for Heisman

Spilller For Heisman
I have seen the Spiller for Heisman Facebook pages. I have read the spring media guide for Clemson football and have seen that Spiller is a Heisman candidate. I have even heard his new head coach say, “Start the C.J. Spiller for Heisman campaign.”

But is a he a legitimate candidate? Can Spiller get an invitation to New York? Can he win the Heisman Trophy?

First I have to admit that I am biased. I am a huge C.J. Spiller fan. I have been a fan since I first saw his youtube videos when he was in high school. I became a bigger fan when I saw him at the Army All-American game. My fondness grew when he announced he was coming to Clemson. It grew again when he stayed at Clemson after his freshman season and again this past year when he turned down the NFL to return to Clemson.

Every time he touches the ball I become a bigger fan. Every time I see how he handles himself in public I become an even bigger fan.

So yes, I am biased.

But is a he a candidate? Can he get to New York? Can he win it?

Is C.J. Spiller a legitimate Heisman Trophy Candidate?
Absolutely. Spiller should be considered a legitimate candidate at this time. He has had a very good career so far and has grabbed headlines and attention with some electric athleticism and speed.

Spiller is already the school’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards with 4,908 yards. He needs only 921 to break the Atlantic Coast Conferences record. He is third among active players nationally in that category. He has been All-ACC as a kick returner and running back. He holds the school record for touchdowns over 50 yards with 12 and seven have gone at least 80 yards. He was first in the ACC in all-purpose yards, second in punt returns and third in touchdowns.

In his career he has 390 carries for 2,335 yards and 20 touchdowns rushing. He has 87 receptions for 917 yards and seven touchdowns receiving. Spiller has added 1,656 yards and three touchdowns in the return game.

Besides the numbers and versatility, another of the things that will put him in the Heisman race is the excitement that he generates. Spiller is a human highlight film and a youtube hit. Few players in college football have given so many jaw-dropping performances.

Spiller is a legitimate candidate because of these things and more but what will his 2009 campaign look like? My guess is that Dabo Swinney and Billy Napier get him involved more than ever. Remember that Spiller’s numbers so far have been limited because of the presence of James Davis over the last three years. I look for dramatic increase in Spiller touches in 2009.

Can Spiller Get an Invitation to New York?
Here is the hard part. You never know about injuries and how seasons will play out but it would be hard to imagine Florida’s Tim Tebow and Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford not getting to the Big Apple. We have never had a season in college football that featured two former Heisman winners in the same year returning to the college game.

I think Tebow’s numbers, popularity and history with the trophy make him one of the two favorites. Bradford put up Playstation numbers last year and if he is close to those again in 2009 then he will have a big advantage with the voters. I find it hard to believe that a healthy Sam Bradford is not back in New York next December.

Last year’s other Heisman finalist also returns this season as Texas’ Colt McCoy enters the season as a major candidate. If he stays healthy and comes close to the same production, McCoy has an inside track on a spot as well.

Seldom do four players get invited but if one of the three quarterbacks does not live up to expectations Spiller is one of the few players in the country that could take a spot. Ohio State quarterback Terrell Pryor, Cal running back Jahvid Best, Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State wide out Dez Bryant, Kansas quarterback Todd Ressing, Oregon State running back Jacquizz Rodgers and Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray are just a few that could garner attention heading into the season.

It helps to play for a power house program like Southern Cal, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas and Florida. The last player to win the Heisman from a school that is not considered a national title in most years was Ron Dayne of Wisconsin.

In the old days the Heisman may have been won with a great sports information department. But today, it seems like the trophy is won on the field. The world is smaller and the internet makes it easier to follow more players from more schools.

Can Spiller Win the Heisman
No Heisman field has ever had to beat two defending Heisman Trophy winners. I think it will be extremely difficult to beat one of the three finalist from last season in McCoy, Bradford and Tebow.

All-ACC, All-American, first rounder and ACC champion? Maybe. Heisman Trophy winner? A longhsot.

Merging Highways
I want to invite everyone to the Buncombe Street United Methodist Church this Friday, April 24 from 6:15-8:00 pm for a free concert and teen driver awareness program called “Merging Highways.” If you have teenagers I encourage you to bring them for a special message from my son Ryan. Brad Hughes All State Insurance is providing pizza for the kids and the event is free. For more information call Brad Hughes at 864-292-3001.

Below is a link to a promo for the event:
http://onlineworshiptv.com/index.php?option=com_seyret&Itemid=26&task=videod
irectlink&id=140

We will have a special video at the Merging Highways event which I will put on the blog Monday. Hope to see everyone there Friday.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

Prayer List
We have started a prayer list on the blog. Here are the guidelines:
*If you are offended by prayer or prayer lists then I apologize in advance. The blog is free and the prayer list will be on the bottom of the page so you don’t have to read it.
*If you would like to add someone to the list please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com
*If you want the reason for the prayer to be added to the name please specify in your e-mails.
*Please let me know when it is appropriate to take the person off of the prayer list

Those who need our prayers include:
Finn Brookover, Mrs. Kathleen Bowers, Larry in Naples, FL, RTG-Pawsitive Tiger, Mary-Louise Pawlowski (John's daughter), Sandy Wright, Jo Ann Bachman, Frank Taylor, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard Gillespie and his family, Jim S, Christine Hepfer, Daniel Rosborough, Amy Murphey, Jack Huffman, Nancy Winkler, Dr. Nancy Strom Morgan, Edward Putman, John Reeve, Eileen Woodrum, Ethel Southard, Vinnie Brock, Jean-Pierre Bailey, Kaitlyn L.