COMMENTARY: Heisman, with strange past, has Hog future

By Jim Bailey (Contact)

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When the Heisman Trophy was created in 1935, technically it was open to any college football player in the United States. However, athletes soon realized anyone who didn’t specialize in carrying or throwing the ball need not apply.

Of the first 72 Heisman recipients, 1935-2006, 66 were quarterbacks or running backs. Eventually, other honors evolved to fill the void: Outland Trophy and Vince Lombardi Award (interior linemen); (Dick) Butkus Award (linebackers); Jim Thorpe Award (defensive backs).

For more information see today's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

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Originally published 04:26 a.m., November 6, 2007
Updated 04:27 a.m., November 6, 2007

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