Tyrann Mathieu for Heisman: What Makes LSU Corner True Contender

Not since Charles Woodson of Michigan in 1997 has a defensive player won the Heisman Trophy.

That being said, Tyrann Mathieu of LSU could be the first since.

He's arguably the best player on arguably the nation's best team.

Not to mention he's filling Patrick Peterson's role and wearing that No. 7 very well.

So to that end, here are three reasons why Mathieu should be considered for the Heisman Trophy.

Awareness

All of his return yards aside, Tyrann Mathieu's awareness is quite possibly the best out of any defensive player in the country.

As a freshman, he forced five fumbles, recovered two, picked off two passes and had seven pass breakups.

So far in 2011, he has forced four fumbles, recovered three, has one pick and four pass breakups.

Those numbers are almost equivalent to what he accomplished through 13 games in 2010—and we're only five games into 2011.

It's obvious that Tyrann will significantly increase these numbers, but the more impressive stat will be how much he ends the season with.

Versatility

It's not everyday in college football that we see a dominant and versatile player like Tyrann Mathieu.

LSU has been fortunate, as he is filling the shoes of Patrick Peterson very well.

That being said, Mathieu is also a beast at getting pressure on the QB as well as helping to stop the run.

As a freshman, he compiled 59 tackles and had 4.5 sacks; while through five games in 2011, Mathieu has 35 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

It's clear that coach Les Miles wants him in the box, especially against run-oriented teams.

The game against Alabama will be his biggest test, as Crimson Tide RB Trent Richardson is arguably the best back in the country.

Returning

Now we get to the part that made Charles Woodson ever so dangerous.

Forcing fumbles, recovering fumbles and getting interceptions are all great, but what puts you over the edge is the return that follows.

Three of the fumbles Tyrann Mathieu has recovered this year have been returned for a total of 20 yards.

And yes, 20 yards isn't a lot, but changing the field an average of almost seven yards per return is very significant for the offense.

In terms of his interceptions, he only has one this season but returned it for 16 yards.

Now add in his punt return ability, he has compiled 55 yards and has a long of 15.

What's interesting here is that it's Mathieu's first season as a punt returner, so he'll only get better as his career progresses.

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