Lamar Jackson Awarded 2016 Heisman Trophy: Voting Results, Comments, Reaction
Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson put up video game numbers throughout the 2016 college football season, and the sophomore was rewarded for his efforts Saturday when he captured the Heisman Trophy.
The youngest winner in Heisman history bested a field that included Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson, Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers and the Oklahoma Sooners connection of quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Dede Westbrook.
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The Tulsa World's Eric Bailey relayed the final vote tallies:
Jackson was the clear Heisman front-runner during the 2016 season thanks to his outrageous statistical contributions to a 9-3 Louisville team, so Saturday's result shouldn't come as a surprise.
During his second season under center for the Cardinals, Jackson completed 57.6 percent of his passes for 3,390 yards, 30 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also rushed 234 times for 1,538 yards and 21 scores—bringing his touchdown total to 51 on the year.
Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee provided a statistical nugget to illuminate just how absurd Jackson's scoring pace was:
According to Louisville's official Twitter account, Jackson became the sixth player in FBS history to throw for 20 touchdowns and rush for 20 touchdowns in the same season.
"His ability to extend plays and electrify crowds with his ability as a runner is something we haven’t seen since Michael Vick’s days at Virginia Tech," Pro Football Focus' Gordon McGuinness wrote. "Jackson rushed for 1,793 yards, forcing 46 missed tackles and scoring 21 touchdowns, with a PFF rushing grade of 97.9."
Jackson's stock took a bit of a hit down the stretch when he compiled five touchdowns and three interceptions total in back-to-back losses against the Houston Cougars and Kentucky Wildcats, but those blemishes weren't enough to sink his stock following a scorching start.
And with another year remaining before Jackson can declare for the NFL draft, don't be shocked if he enters 2017 as the Heisman favorite as he seeks to make history and hoist the coveted hardware in consecutive seasons.
