Stoops talks Heisman race
Published: 11/27/2012 7:47 PM
Last Modified: 11/27/2012 7:47 PM
Bob Stoops was asked if being a freshman or defensive player should void any Heisman Trophy consideration.
The Oklahoma coach has faced Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o. He’s also familiar with Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M’s freshman quarterback.
“In my eyes (Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein) comes to mind, of course, but you’re asking me about a freshman and a defensive guy and I don’t think there’s any question each should have the opportunity,” Stoops said. “We had that situation with Adrian Peterson being a freshman and he came so close to it. A player is a player. It shouldn’t matter what age he is.
“Being a long-time defensive guy coming up in coaching, I’ve never understood it,” Stoops added. “I think Te’o for Notre Dame is absolutely deserving when you look at — usually they talk about the quarterback or running back on the best team in the country or whoever had the best record.
"Usually they have a better chance of winning it than anyone. They’re known for their defense and he’s the quarterback of their defense and he’s got six or seven interceptions and he’s been the guy all year.”
Stoops said Te’o was probably the most dominant defensive player he’s faced since Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh.
“He’s in the middle too so it’s hard to go one way or the other,” Stoops said. “If you’ve got left or right you’ve got a chance to avoid him a little bit. When he’s in the middle it makes it harder.”
Heisman Trophy votes are due on Dec. 3.
Written by
Eric Bailey
Sports Writer
