LSU Football: 5 Reasons Why Tyrann Mathieu Should Win the Heisman Trophy

The Heisman Trophy presentation has and always will call for something new. New suits, new ties, new shoes, new haircuts, new experiences. But most importantly, this year's presentation will feature a new kind of finalist. Someone who the college football world is not accustomed to seeing.

Tyrann Mathieu is not your average Heisman Trophy finalist.

He's not 6'3" with a magical gifted arm.

He's not 225 pounds with the ability to run both around and through defenders.

He's not 6'4" with the ability to jump over defenders to make highlight catches.

Tyrann Mathieu is everything but your ordinary Heisman Trophy candidate.

He is a 5'9", 175-pound defensive back who makes college football enthusiasts think back to the days of Deion Sanders with Florida State and Charles Woodson with Michigan.

Every Heisman finalist has a resume filled from top to bottom. But Mathieu's is different. Mathieu's is unique. Mathieu's is special.

Tyrann Mathieu is new.

Here are five reasons why Tyrann Mathieu should be this year's Heisman Trophy winner.

1. He Is the Best Player on the Best Team in the Country

LSU is the best team in college football.

The Tigers are the only undefeated team in the nation and have been perfect throughout this season.

If the Heisman Trophy is indeed awarded to the best player in college football, then wouldn't it make sense that the best player on the best team win this award?

You can say that without Andrew Luck Stanford would not be good or without Robert Griffin III Baylor wouldn't be good, and perhaps, that's true, but where would LSU be against Georgia without Mathieu's two punt returns? 

Would LSU be undefeated without Mathieu's fumble recovery for a touchdown against Oregon in Week 1 of the season?

Tyrann Mathieu is the best player on the best team. 

What more can you ask for?

2. Game Changer

There isn't a single player in all of college football who can change a game in so many ways like LSU's Tyrann Mathieu.

Mathieu is one of the best defensive cover cornerbacks in the country. In fact, if it wasn't for his own teammate, Mo Claiborne, he might be considered the best cornerback in the country.

But not only is Mathieu a top-notch cornerback, he's also the most electric return man in all of college football. He can change a game with his feet and his quick moves in a way that this game has perhaps never seen.

Whether it's making nine players miss on a punt return or stripping a quarterback of the ball and returning it to the house.

There really couldn't be a more fitting name for Mathieu than "The Honey Badger."

And that honey badger deserves some much sought after hardware.

3. He Plays His Best on the Biggest Stage

Big-time players make big plays on the biggest stages.

Tyrann Mathieu's two memorable punt returns against Georgia came on the biggest stage in the SEC title game. In fact, he had another punt return for a touchdown the week before that against then No. 3-ranked Arkansas.

Mathieu had two huge interceptions this season—one of which came against ranked West Virginia and the other which came against then-ranked Florida.

Mathieu played lockdown defense against Alabama the first time, so one can only imagine what he's going to do against them in the National Title game.

In order to be the best, you have to beat the best, and Mathieu and LSU have done just that this college football season.

4. This Is One Season, Not a Career

The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football in that given year.

This year, there wasn't a more outstanding player in college football than Tyrann Mathieu.

Over a career, Andrew Luck has been the most outstanding player. If the award was given over a career, then Luck was a no-brainer.

But this year, Tyrann Mathieu played lockdown defense, returned punts for touchdowns and electrified his team on the biggest stage.

In one year, Tyrann Mathieu meant the most to his team, which is the best in all of college football.

5. Look at the Others

When you look at the other finalists, two quarterbacks and two running backs, that seems like the norm. when it comes to Heisman Trophy winners.

In fact, 12 of the last Heisman winners have played either quarterback or running back. The first and last defensive back to win the prestigious award was Michigan's Charles Woodson back in 1997.

So why not Tyrann Mathieu? Did he not have the most magical season of any player in college football?

If the reward was given for the best college career, then Andrew Luck would win. If the award was based just on touchdowns, then Montee Ball would be the winner. If it was given on rushing yards, then Trent Richardson would be the winner. On pass efficiency, Robert Griffin III would be handed the trophy.

But this award is about one single player who had the most exceptional single season.

A game-changing, multidimensional player who can electrify the crowd at any moment playing on the best team in college football.

Come Dec. 10 in the Big Apple, Tyrann Mathieu should be the one hoisting that trophy with pride.

He has deserved every bit of it this season.