Heisman

Why Manti Te’o Should Win the Heisman

By: Cameron Dodson

This year’s Heisman running candidates                has a twist. There is a defensive player in the running; His name is Manti Te’o, the middle linebacker for Notre Dame. He is the second defensive player ever from Notre Dame to be in the running. Many people think that the candidates should be offensive, because they think they are the most important on the team. The nominee’s are usually quarterbacks or star running backs. So to see a defensive player in the running is an eye opener to people because it shows that he is good at what he does and deserves to be rewarded for it.

                Manti Te’o is nice, funny, and has an all around good personality. He cares about everyone and helps his team all the time. On senior night he was taken out of the game because they were winning. The coach put in a freshman middle linebacker and Manti was right there helping him the whole time. Manti was giving him pointers and tips on how to read the offense. So besides being a great player he doesn’t let that go to his head he helps the team.

                There is only one other defensive player from Notre Dame that has won the Heisman. The other one from Notre Dame was Leon Hart a defensive end, and he won in 1946. The players after him that are from Notre Dame were all offensive players. For Manti to win would show a lot to the NFL scouts and all the other players in college football. It would show them that anyone can win not just an offensive player.

                Manti is setting and breaking records from previous players at Notre Dame. From his freshman year till his senior year, he has been breaking and setting records. If it wasn’t for Manti Notre dame would not be where they are today. He has put the team together ever since Charlie Wise left.  The team has truly benefited from him being there at the university. Brian Kelly and Manti have really turned the team around this year. Notre Dame won’t be talked about in a negative or bad way because of these two people. Manti has given them the publicity they needed and that they haven’t had in a long time. All of these reasons are why Manti should have won the Heisman trophy. It should not be based on stats and numbers. It should be based on how the player helps team and the university.