By Chris Huston 12.6.16

The Buzz: What they’re saying about the 2016 Heisman finalists

We’ve rounded up a bunch of the buzz and reaction to the announcement of the 2016 Heisman finalists from media, fans and the players themselves:

LAMAR JACKSON

“I’m extremely humbled and honored to be a Heisman Trophy finalist. This is a great honor for me, but it’s an honor that goes to my teammates too. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to be successful and I share this accomplishment with them. It’s a great honor and I’m excited, but I’m looking forward to preparing for the Citrus Bowl against LSU. I don’t think it’s really hit me. I’m just humbled and grateful to be going to New York right now. … It would mean a lot to be the first person from the University of Louisville to win it. It would be an honor.”

“I am very pleased for Lamar, our program and the University of Louisville. The effect Lamar has had on our program is unparalleled. He is a great competitor who has used his abilities and strengths to become the best player in the nation, in my opinion. A year ago, he was put into the first game of the season and since then his attitude and preparation have allowed him to continue to grow and mature into a dynamic playmaker and a confident leader. This season, he stands apart and I congratulate him on the work he has done.” — Louisville coach Bobby Petrino.

NEWS & OPINION
Lamar Jackson’s resume makes him a clear favorite — Washington Post.
All 51 touchdowns from Jackson’s potential Heisman season — Hero Sports.
Lamar Jackson’s greatness differs from another Louisville legend — UofLCardGame.
Las Vegas rooting for a Heisman upset — ESPN.com.
Spotlight isn’t always easy for Jackson — NCAA.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA

VIDEO

BAKER MAYFIELD

“It’s a dream come true. I said it not too long ago — you think about it and you think about the times that you’re a kid and you dream of playing college football, you dream of going to New York for the Heisman ceremony. It’s special to me and even more special now that I get to enjoy it with my receiver.”

News & Opinion
Baker Mayfield’s choice of undershirt is the gutsiest thing we’ve seen  — Dallas News.
Mayfield returning for his senior season — Sporting News.
Mayfield wins second-straight Burlsworth Trophy — NewsOK.com.
Just maybe Mayfield can sneak into NY and steal the statue — NormanTranscript.com.
Mayfield and Westbrook share mutually beneficial partnership — Tahlequa Daily Press.

Social Media


VIDEO

Video

JABRILL PEPPERS

"I’m most proud of the defensive guy getting in there. You talked about it earlier, this guy was one of the most versatile players in college football. And I believe adding that fifth guy, adding Jabrill Peppers at the ceremony Saturday night is going to be huge for him. I’m so happy that the voters decided that we need defensive players in this. When you look at all the numbers that these quarterbacks put up and the receivers, it’s easy to say these guys are the ones that are deserving of the trophy. But defense wins championships. Jabrill, congratulations.” — Charles Woodson on Jabrill Peppers.

News & Opinion
Why Jabrill Peppers should win the Heisman Trophy — Sports Illustrated.
Jabrill Peppers should enjoy his Heisman moment — Detroit Live.
Peppers can be first defensive winner since Charles Woodson — Washington Post.
Can Peppers stop the Big Ten Heisman drought? — CNSChicago.com.
ESPN tabs Peppers as best player not named Lamar Jackson — TheSpun.

Social Media


DESHAUN WATSON

"This is a great honor for Deshaun and our program. You just don’t have a lot of two-time Heisman Finalists over the history of your program.  He is our first, and he’s very deserving. I’ve said it before; I believe he is the best player in the nation and has been a great representative of our University. College football is better over the last three years because of Deshaun Watson." — Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney.

News & Opinion
Clemson, Watson could run through Bama, Ohio State to title — ESPN.
Clemson QB Watson adds another record — TheState.com.
Watson, Jackson give ACC a Heisman moment — ESPN.
Watson’s trip to Heisman stage bumpier than 2015 — ABC.com.
Was Watson almost a Buckeye? — Landof10.com

Social Media


DEDE WESTBROOK

"I really wasn’t expecting to be in it. Whenever the camera crew came over to my house I was like, ‘I think you guys might be wasting your time a bit here. The first person I called was my mother and I made sure my brother was standing behind her so she wouldn’t fall out on the floor. It’s crazy. It was really unbelievable. Like I said earlier today, this wasn’t part of the plan, I just wanted to come and play football, but it’s great to get notoriety for everything I’ve been doing on the field, of course with the help of Baker.”

News & Opinion
Westbrook talks about the hit that knocked him out of Bedlam — Dallas News.
Westbrook reacts to being named a Heisman finalist — NCAA.com.
OU WR Westbrook named AP’s Big 12 Player of the Year — OUDaily.
Mayfield and Westbrook headed to Heisman ceremony, as it should be — TulsaWorld.
Westbrook and Mayfield are first Heisman finalist teammates in over a decade – TheSpun.

SOCIAL MEDIA


 

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