Heisman Trophy: How Tyrann Mathieu's Stats Compared to Winner Charles Woodson

Robert Griffin III won the 2011 Heisman Trophy, but there were other deserving candidates this season. Tyrann Mathieu was one player who could have won, especially if you compare his year to a past winner.

LSU has had quite a year as a team. The Tigers are currently undefeated and will play for a national championship next month. However, the most known player on the squad is not a quarterback or running back, but a cornerback.

It is almost impossible to watch an LSU game without hearing Tyrann Mathieu's name called at least a few times. His playmaking ability allowed him to be invited to New York City as a Heisman finalist, but he easily could have left with the award. 

The last and only primary defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy was Charles Woodson of Michigan in 1997. Like Mathieu, Woodson was a cornerback who helped lead his team to an undefeated season, but the similarities go even further. 

Both players were high-impact athletes, who excelled on special teams as well as defense. 

During his Heisman-winning season, Woodson returned 33 punts for 283 yards. He also notably returned a punt for a touchdown against Ohio State on the last game of the regular season.

Mathieu's production as a returner was even better, totaling 428 yards on only 24 returns. For those who want impact plays, just look to his 92-yard touchdown return against Arkansas when his team was down against Arkansas.

Just in case that was not good enough, the sophomore also returned a punt for a touchdown in the SEC Championship Game. Once again, LSU was losing at the time.

Each player also had plenty of impact in their normal defensive positions.

Charles Woodson was (and still is) a great cover cornerback. He was able to use his great size and athleticism to shut-down the opponents best receiver.

He caused a great amount of frustration to opposing quarterbacks during his time in Michigan, and had 18 interceptions to prove it; eight of which were during his final season.

Tyrann Mathieu had the advantage of having another great cornerback on his team in Morris Claiborne, but that did not slow his impact.

The LSU Tiger had only two interceptions, but added six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. Offensive players always had to be aware of where No. 7 was on the field, regardless of what type of play was being run.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the profiles of the two star-players is the fact that Charles Woodson spent some time helping out the team's offense. He added three touchdowns and 246 yards from scrimmage to his already impressive resume.

While Mathieu did not play any offense this season, he made up for it with his ability to get into the end zone. Mathieu matched Woodson as they each had four total touchdowns during their best seasons.

With these two players having so much in common, it would have made sense for each to leave with the same award. Mathieu certainly did not have a tougher field than Woodson did in 1997.

When Charles Woodson won the Heisman Trophy, he defeated highly-touted quarterback Peyton Manning during his final collegiate season. It would have only be fitting if Tyrann Mathieu was able to defeat the man so often compared to Manning, Andrew Luck.