The decision has been announced, and it can’t be much of a surprise. LSU’s star quarterback, Joe Burrow, has been announced as the recipient of the 2019 Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player from the college to do so since 1959.
Burrow beat out Ohio State’s Justin Fields and Chase Young and Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts.
Recent winners of the award include nine active NFL players: Mark Ingram (2009), Cam Newton (2010), Robert Griffin III (2011), Jameis Winston (2013), Marcus Mariota (2014), Derrick Henry (2015), Lamar Jackson (2016), Baker Mayfield (2017), and Kyler Murray (2018).
The official website of the Heisman Trophy described the balloting process in the following manner.
“The task of designating the most outstanding college football player is a daunting one, so a crucial decision was made early on to determine the best group of individuals to make that choice.
“It was decided that sports journalists were the most logical group for this task. As informed, competent and impartial observers, they comprise the vast majority of the electors. The Heisman Trophy Trust governs the policies and procedures by which the balloting process is conducted. Specifically, six persons are chosen as Sectional Representatives.”
Burrow, a 6-foot-4 senior, completed 342 of 439 passes for 4,715 yards and 48 touchdowns while only tossing six interceptions. On the ground, he amassed 96 carries for 289 yards and three scores, proving how valuable he can be when he escapes pressure and scrambles out of the pocket.
While there are several young stars likely to be NFL bound, Tua Tagovailoa’s injury and Chase Young’s uncertainty regarding the NFL draft only boost Burrow’s status as potential No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, in which the Bengals get first dibs. Among Cincinnati’s needs are offensive line help and all-around assistance on defense, but the struggles of Andy Dalton and Ryan Finley this season make it quite possible they solidify the quarterback role first.
The Giants and Redskins hold the second and third picks, respectively. Those two teams selected their quarterbacks of the future last year, so if the Bengals pass on Burrow, he will likely fall to the Miami Dolphins at No. 4. The Lions, Cardinals, Jaguars, Falcons, Jets, and Chargers make up the remainder of the top 10.
While Burrow’s position in the upcoming draft class remains uncertain and will continue to be up in the air for the next five months, one thing is for sure: this kid is something special and his efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Joe Burrow is quite deserving of the Heisman Trophy.
