The Buzz: What they’re saying about the 2017 Heisman finalists
We’ve rounded up a bunch of the buzz and reaction to the announcement of the 2017 Heisman finalists from media, schools, coaches, fans and the players themselves:
Lamar Jackson
“I’m honored to be chosen as a finalist with these two outstanding players. They both had great seasons and deserve this tremendous honor. I want to thank all my teammates and coaches for achieving this honor together,” — Jackson, upon being named a finalist.
“I’m so proud of Lamar for what he’s accomplished on the field and off. To have an opportunity to become only the second player in the history of college football to win this prestigious award twice speaks to talent and drive Lamar has to be one of the game’s greatest players of all time. He’s the ultimate competitor and winner, and is one of the greatest young men I’ve ever had the pleasure to coach. He comes to the facility every day with a smile on his face and works extremely hard to get better each and every day. He’s a very special player, and I’m not sure we will ever see a player with his type of talent ever again,” — Louisvillle head coach Bobby Petrino.
News & Opinion
Lamar Jackson is going back to New York this weekend as a Heisman finalist — Louisville Courier Journal.
Jackson is the youngest player to be twice named a Heisman finalist — Austin American Statesman.
Jackson’s 2017 campaign was better than his 2016 campaign — Louisville Courier Journal.
Social Media Reaction
Regardless of the outcome in NYC: @Lj_era8 1X Heisman, 2X Finalist. I’m proud to have watched the best Cardinal to ever strap it up pic.twitter.com/ruiWjDxSpC
— Alex Overdyk (@alexoverdyk) December 5, 2017
The more film I see on the QB Lamar Jackson out of Louisville the more im hoping that the Giants are looking at him as a major prospect if he comes out into the draft.The kid is amazing so I can imagine how much better he can also be with the right people teaching him some more.
— Jim Peters (@nuthut1) December 5, 2017
Crazy how @Lj_era8 has turned us @UofLFootball fans into Heisman snobs now! We know that nobody else can attain what Lamar did, but unfortunately we have to share the award. I’m still #LamarforHeisman all day though!
— Jack Shea (@jacksheajr) December 5, 2017
Bryce Love
“I’m honored and thankful for the opportunity to attend. The hard work, the long days, all my teammates … It puts those things into perspective. I’m proud to represent the team, the University and the staff,” — Love, upon being named a finalist.
“I’m excited about this opportunity for him. It’s not just about winning the award but the recognition across the country of what he’s accomplished….He’s a special football player and deserves a lot of the credit. I know the guys around helped him and he’ll he the first to say it,” — Stanford coach David Shaw.
News & Opinion
Wake Forest, NC, native Love named Heisman finalist — WRAL Sports.
Why Bryce Love should win the Heisman — USAToday.com.
3 Reasons why Bryce Love should win the Heisman — SaturdayBlitz.com.
As a Heisman Trophy finalist, Love is a triangle trend-setter — The News & Observer.
Social Media Reaction
McGee: There aren’t many players that make David Shaw’s eyes light up. He’s just not a very demonstrative guy. Christian McCaffrey was one, and now Bryce Love is another.
— David Glenn Show (@DavidGlennShow) December 5, 2017
@Blovee_20 should be #Heisman winner. Completely missed one game and parts of others due to injury and still ran for 1,973 yards in 2017 (8.3 ypa), tops for Power 5 rushers. Throw in 17 TDs for the year, and this is #TheGuy pic.twitter.com/UYZiegpuYl
— JobPro Technology (@JobProTech) December 5, 2017
No chance Baker Mayfield doesn’t win, but Bryce Love deserves the Heisman. 8.32 YPC and 17 TD’s in 13 games is insane. Plus Stanford deserves it after McCaffrey snub.
— jack (@jleland_) December 5, 2017
Baker Mayfield
News & Opinion
Baker Mayfield named finalist, remains favorite — Dallas Morning News.
Mayfield unlike any quarterback Georgia has faced — Chattanooga Times Free Press.
5 scariest aspects of Mayfield’s game — Saturday Down South.
Mayfield is ‘like Brett Favre’ — Norman Transcript.’
Social Media Reaction
One of my greatest moments was being in NYC for the Heisman ceremony! Only downside was that McDonald’s was not on their dinner menus, but somehow we still managed to make it work! @baker_mayfield6 @Lj_era8
— Dede Westbrook (@DedeTHEGreat11) December 5, 2017
Baker might ruffle some feathers but man…. peep this effort. Uncommon. pic.twitter.com/hHBHWTp6a1
— Mike Golic Jr (@MGolicJR57) November 27, 2017
Paul George is a big Baker Mayfield fan: “He has that ‘it’ about him as far as being a leader.”
He also might be picking OU to win it all bc of its great offense and “underrated” defense. pic.twitter.com/uBf1xM3X6e
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) December 5, 2017
“I worked hard to get here. I never quit. That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave.” – Baker Mayfield
The Heisman favorite sits down with our Heisman winner @MattLeinartQB pic.twitter.com/O9UNog3DKW
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 2, 2017
