LSU is never really a place for someone to win a Heisman. But if PP puts up those kind of numbers and shuts down A.J. and Julio, he will at the very least finish 2nd like Suh did last year. I honestly don't see how he wouldn't win, even with LSU not being a media favorite. Man, I always thought it was alot better than that. Peyton got screwed!!! I guess I bought the hype too.
I thought Heisman possibilities were a big reason for inserting him in the return game. LSU will have a hard time getting anyone invited. A QB is best case scenario but I'm sure noone expects JJ to make that kind of leap. RB's usually win but we're not likely to feature one guy enough for him to get the carries and yardage needed to make the conversation. I think Shep is the best chance we have at getting an invite, just not this year. It's just too hard for someone on defense, which is a real shame. Suh made it last year but it was largely due to one dominant game and a lack of traditional candidates. If Shep has a good season with some Sport Center level highlights, let the campaign begin for next year when he's really spotlighted on offense and in the return game a la Peter Warrick. Remember Warrick would have won running away had he not gotten into trouble at FSU. He had the name recognition and the hype, then blew it. I think Ron Dayne won that year.
With the teams we play the exposure will be there. Whats do with it remains to be seen. I always believe we are on the verge of 12-0.:miles:
Well, since you asked, and since JohnLSU seems to be distracted elsewhere... To be an oustanding, SEC record books, kind of punt return season, PP would have to return 4 punts for TDs, or amass about 500+ punt return yards. To be an oustanding, SEC record books kind of kickoff return season, PP would have to return 2-3 kickoffs for TDs, or amass about 800 kickoff return yards. If he combined those for about 1,100 yards of return yards, and/or ran back 5 or 6 combined, then he'd be in the top 2 or 3 in SEC history (Dominick Davis kind of numbers). To be an outstanding, SEC record books kind of DB season, PP would have to have around 10 interceptions, and probably run at least 2 back for TDs. Being a lockdown corner will get him drafted very high, but won't get Heisman votes. If he combined a couple of those stats, let's say picked off 10 passes, ran two back for scores, and had 1,000 total return yards with 4 kick/punt return TDs - a couple of them spectacular game winning runs that made highlight reels - then MAYBE he'd be in the conversation. He's a good enough athlete, no doubt. But it will take some luck to be in the right place at the right time.
