More Publicity, More Problems for Cameron Newton

Auburn University's Heisman candidate quarterback Cameron Newton is back in the news again for the wrong reasons, this time for allegedly cheating academically while back at Florida (see here for the report). Apparently Newton handed in a paper that was written by another student. After asked to resubmit the paper Newton turned in a paper that was purchased off the net. Cam apparently is better at ripping apart defenses than pulling a fast one on NCAA instructors.

Newton has already been in the news recently for reports surrounding his recruitment prior to attending Auburn, where it is rumored that his services were being offered for cash. These reports were preceded by a 2008 arrest for stealing a laptop while Newton was at Florida. Newton transferred to Binn College in TX before helping Auburn to a No. 2 ranking in the current BCS standings.

It seems as if the kid cannot stay out of trouble, which will not bode well or Newton's draft status should he consider to skip his senior season(which may be the best option for the 6'6 athlete). Whether or not these reports will hurt Newton's Heisman chances are unknown but they definitely won't help.

Make the jump for the money after the season Cam; then you can get paid for while doing whatever you want. Just try not to get caught.

-ALR

Who's Your Heisman? Profiling The Candidates

With the 2010 college football nearing bowl season and the annual Heisman Trophy presentation (see here for info on the Heisman) a little over a month away now would be an opportune time to highlight a few of the top candidates for the award this year. You have the consensus favorite (Cameron Newton), some "super sophomores", and your prototypical "pocket" passers. Basically everything except a senior. Here are some of the top:

Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn, Jr - 1890 passing yards, 19 TDs; 1146 rushing 15 TDs

Newton is having a monster first season under center for the Auburn Tigers, though the athletic quarterback does not come with controversy. He was arrested back in 2008 for burglary but was allowed back on the team after charges were dismissed. Newton transferred to a JC last season and has been tearing up the SEC all season. Although there has been recent  news about  his recruitment to Auburn and possible violations, until he's proven guilty he is the clear front runner. Signature performance: 24-17 victory over LSU where Newton ran for 217 yards and 2 TDs.

Kellen Moore, QB, Boise St., Jr - 2372 passing yards, 21 TDs

Moore is not the dual threat Cam Newton is, but he is deadly and precise in the pocket and can pick a defense apart. Moore is also shorter than the traditional pocket passer which makes his performance even more impressive. Some may point to Boise St.'s soft schedule as a reason for his lofty numbers, but you can't deny that the kid is really good. Signature performance: 30-37, 507 yards & 3 TDs against Hawaii.

LaMichael James, RB, Oregon, So - 1,331 rushing yards, 17 TDs

Despite missing the first game of the season the James leads college football in touchdowns, rushing yards per game and only trails leading rusher Denard Robinson for the rushing yardage crown by only 18 yards. The compact shifty back hardly ever goes down behind the line and has breakaway speed to go along with the power. He is clearly the main offensive weapon for the No. 1 ranked Ducks. Signature performance: season high 257 yards and 3 TDs in a 52-31 victory against no. 6 Stanford.

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford, So. - 2,213 passing yards, 22  TDs, 370 rushing yards, 3 TDs

Luck is the prototype of a pro quarterback. The red shirt sophomore has ideal height (6'4), can make all the throws and is actually nimble in the pocket. The Stanford QB has played fantastic this season and has completed less than 59% of his passes only twice. Luck has the Cardinals poised to make a major bowl appearance and made most fans forget that this team lost Toby Gerhart to the NFL this summer. Signature performance: against USC, Luck went 20-24 for 285 yards and 3 TDs in a 37-35 road victory at the Coliseum.

So who do you think will be striking that famous pose on December 11th?

-ALR

Reggie Bush Gives Up Heisman

Say it ain't so Reggie! Per this report seen on espn.com, former USC and current New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush has decided to give up the prestigious Heisman trophy he won for his on field performance back in 2005. This coming after the NCAA hit USC with sanctions for improper benefits Bush received as a student athlete during his time at the university.

After reading his statement that was released by the Saints organization, I can say that Bush handled the situation with as much class as can be expected. But let that be me in the same situation, and there is no way I am conceding an award that I earned with hard work and my exploits on the football field week in and week out. And if runner-up Vince Young puts on a publicity-laden campaign for the trophy I will lose what little respect I have left for the BCS/Heisman joke of committees.

USC athletics has had a tough last couple of months...

-ALR

Talk Like A 'Mack'

Another story I saw on ESPN... apparently Texas U. head football coach Mack Brown believes that if Reggie Bush gives up his Heisman from '05, it should go to runner-up Vince Young. Here's some background info; Bush recently has taken some heat from improper benefits he received while a member of USC's power house of a college football program. After a outstanding 2005 campaign Bush was awarded the prestigious Heisman Trophy.

Here's my take; Mack Brown needs to silence that nonsense. Everyone knows D-1 college athletes get some kind of compensation besides scholarships (it's just a matter of if or when they get caught). After Vince Young went pro, the man could barely put together a proper sentence like any student of a top college should be able to. You can't convince me that he didn't get "special benefits". Colleges and the NCAA make millions of dollars a year off of these players while they are in school with ticket sales, jerseys and other various merchandise. Shouldn't these players be allowed to make a living off their exploits? And furthermore, Reggie Bush was awarded the Heisman based on his on the field accomplishments that season, and whether or not he got a little something on the side shouldn't be the issue, right?

Mack Brown's words sounds like those of a bitter coach whose program hasn't produced a Heisman winner since Ricky Williams in 1998. You would think beating USC & Reggie Bush in that great championship game would have been enough. I guess not..

-ALR