Heisman voters got it wrong sending only three men to New York

Not many would argue the validity of the three men chosen to attend the Heisman Trophy presentation later this month, but the voters couldn’t have been more wrong sending just those three.

For the record, the three in question are running back Christian McCaffrey out of Stanford, running back Derrick Henry  out of Alabama and quarterback Deshaun Watson out of Clemson. All three young men put together outstanding seasons worthy of Heisman consideration, but they were far from the only players who deserved to make the trip to New York.

How hard would it have been to include two or three others?

Based on historical merits alone, Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds deserved to be invited. After all, not only did he lead the Midshipmen to an impressive 9-2 record but he also rushed for 19 scores (adding six more through the air) and broke the all-time record for most rushing touchdowns in college football history this season, finishing his career with 83.

That he wasn’t included in the special day is a real shame, and it’s the biggest reason for pointing out the injustice of the three-man field in 2015.

Then there is Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, who led the Sooners into the College Football Playoff while totaling 3,809 yards and 42 touchdowns — numbers that rival those of Watson, who did make it to New York.

Don’t forget about Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott and Leonard Fournette. All three running backs could have made it to the presentation without anyone batting an eyelash, having put up tremendous statistical seasons playing against tough competition in the SEC and ACC.

Some would argue some of these men left out of the presentation had a better shot at winning than Henry, who was a battering ram for ‘Bama and benefited from the nation’s best offensive line. While he did make some huge plays by himself during the season, what Cook did playing at FSU was arguably more impressive, given the talent he played behind.

For what it’s worth, this scribe’s choice for the coveted award is McCaffrey, but it’s really too bad he’ll only be joined at Radio City Music Hall by two of his worthy peers. The voters made a huge mistake this year, and while I’ll cheer the winner, I will also lament a missed opportunity to honor other worthy players who should have been included.