For a kid who was on the bench to start last season, Alex Smith has come a long way. The junior quarterback added to his legacy when he was named a Heisman Trophy finalist Wednesday afternoon.
Smith is joined by Oklahoma quarterback Jason White, Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, USC quarterback Matt Leinart, and USC running back Reggie Bush. Smith is the only finalist not playing in the Orange Bowl.
Smith is the first finalist in Ute history. He passed for 2,624 yards, with 28 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Smith has also been a big threat on the ground, rushing for 563 yards and 10 touchdowns. His 70-yard touchdown run versus UNLV was the second-longest run from scrimmage by a Ute this season.
White, the defending Heisman winner, was considered a long shot to repeat earlier in the season, but has caught fire recently. As QB for the 12-0 Sooners, he has thrown for 2,961 yards and 33 touchdowns. He would be only the second two-time Heisman winner, joining Archie Griffin, who accomplished the feat in 1974 and 1975.
Peterson, who was playing at Palestine (Texas) High School this time last year, is aiming to be the first freshman to win the award. The speedy Peterson has rushed for 1,843 yards, on 5.9 yards per carry and 15 touchdowns. Peterson set the NCAA freshman record for 100-yard games with 10.
For the second consecutive season, Leinart has dominated the Pac-10. He finished sixth in the Heisman voting last season as a sophomore, and is considered by many sources to be the favorite this year. He passed for 2,990 yards, 28 touchdowns, with only six interceptions for the top ranked Trojans. The disconcerting news for the rest of college football is that Leinart has pledged to return for his senior season.
For not having a true starting position, Reggie Bush has been as dynamic a player as any in college football. The sophomore has done everything for the Trojans, amassing 2,181 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns. He has scored TDs rushing, receiving and on return duty, and also passed for a touchdown.
The Heisman award ceremony will be shown live on ESPN Saturday at 6 p.m.
Alex Smith JR Quarterback Utah- 2,624 passing yards-28 touchdown passes-4 interceptions-563 rushing yards-10 rushing touchdowns
Matt Leinart JR Quarterback USC- 2,990 passing yards- 28 touchdown passes- 6 interceptions- 3 rushing touchdowns- 24-1 as starter
Adrian Peterson FR Running Back Oklahoma- 1,843 rushing yards- 15 touchdowns- 5.9 yards per carry- 10 100+ yard rushing games- 3 200+ yard rushing games
Reggie Bush Soph. Running Back USC- 833 rushing yards- 6 rushing touchdowns- 478 receiving yards- 7 receiving touchdowns
Jason White SR Quarterback Oklahoma- 2,961 passing yards- 33 touchdown passes- 6 interceptions-28-2 as starter