Heisman Trophy: Baylor's Robert Griffin III Takes Home Trophy

Baylor Bears quarterback Robert Griffin III is the winner of the 2011 Heisman Trophy. Griffin overcame Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, running backs Trent Richardson from Alabama and Montee Ball from Wisconsin and LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu to win the coveted award.

Griffin rose to prominence by leading Baylor to a 9-3 record. His marked improvement over last season allowed the Bears to become a force in the Big 12, including marquee wins over Oklahoma and Texas down the stretch.

His dual-threat ability made his one of the toughest players in America to defend. He finished the season with 35 total touchdowns and over 4,500 total yards. He completed 72 percent of his passes, which represented a five percent increase over last season.

It wasn't until Luck's Cardinal suffered their first defeat of the season against Oregon that Griffin began to garner national recognition. Once he did, though, his stock began to skyrocket.

By finishing strong, with 19 touchdowns over the final five games (which were all Baylor wins), he made it impossible for the over 900 voters to look away. He clearly cemented himself as the nation's most dynamic quarterback and most valuable player.

He becomes the second straight quarterback to win the award after Auburn's Cam Newton took home the trophy last season. Five of the last six winners have been QBs, dating back to Ohio State's Troy Smith winning in 2006.

Griffin showed throughout the season he's one of the few players in the nation who could change an entire game in a heartbeat. Now he has the trophy to prove it.

Final Vote Totals

1. Robert Griffin III -- 1,687

2. Andrew Luck -- 1,407

3. Trent Richardson -- 978

4. Montee Ball -- 348

5. Tyrann Mathieu -- 327