NEW YORK, (AP) -- Bryce Younger did greater than meet the requirements set by his predecessors at Alabama. He exceeded them and gave the Crimson Tide a uncommon Heisman-to-back.
Younger was the primary Tide quarterback ever to win the Heisman trophy on Saturday night time. This made Alabama the fifth consecutive winner of essentially the most prestigious school soccer participant of the yr award.
Younger was wearing black and a glowing diamond necklace round his neck as he started his acceptance speech.
He thanked Craig, his father, for being his "greatest buddy," Julie, his mom for "at all times having mine again," and his offensive line of "defending" him.
Younger was awarded 684 first-place votes, 2,311 factors, and simply beat Michigan defensive finish Aidan Hutchinson (78.954) to turn into the third Heisman runner up and first since Notre Dame linebacker Manti T'o in 2012.
Third was Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett (28, 631) and C.J. Stroud (12.399) was fourth. Will Anderson Jr., Alabama linebacker (31, 325) was fourth. This made it 5 defensive gamers to make the highest 5 since 1962.
Younger was named seventh among the many 87 Heisman winners, 83% of the full factors being awarded to him, one yr after DeVonta Smith, his former teammate. He was additionally named on 90% of ballots, which is the seventh highest Heisman historical past.
Younger has handed for 4,322 yards this season and 43 touchdowns, serving to No. 1 Alabama win the Southeastern Convention title. He additionally helped earn a spot in School Soccer Playoff. The nationwide champion Crimson Tide will face No. 4 Cincinnati within the Cotton Bowl on December thirty first.
Younger is Alabama's fourth Heisman Winner, and all of them underneath Nick Saban. Solely 4 faculties have received extra: Notre Dame (Ohio State), Oklahoma, Oklahoma, and Southern California have every received seven.
Different faculties which have Heisman winners in consecutive yr are Yale (1936-37), Military (45-46), Southern California (2004)-05 -- though Reggie Bush's 2005 win was later vacated -- in addition to Oklahoma (2017-18).
Alabama's first Heisman winner was Derrick Henry (2015) and Mark Ingram (working again) in 2009. Smith, a receiver, was the No. 3.
It was solely a matter time earlier than a Tide quarterback introduced one dwelling. Saban's Alabama dynasty developed into QB U.
Younger, a sophomore took over the beginning place held by Mac Jones final season and Tua Tagovailoa two years prior. After being chosen in spherical one of many draft, each are actually beginning within the NFL.
Younger acknowledged that understanding the custom of the quarterback and the usual of being a quarterback at Alabama was essential to him. Younger stated, "It was essential that I dwell as much as that, that customary."
In 2018, Tagovailoa completed second within the Heisman voting behind Oklahoma's Kyler Murphy. In 2019, Tagovailoa positioned tenth, a consequence that was reduce quick by harm.
Jones posted even larger numbers than Tagovailoa, however he settled for third in Heisman voting, behind Smith and Trevor Lawrence, Clemson's quarterback.
Younger, a five-star Southern California recruit, was Jones' lightly-used back-up final season.
Younger was inexperienced as he led an offense that needed to change a mountain of NFL expertise. Younger did not have the posh of studying the job.
Saban acknowledged that "lots of the groups we have had are older, with many actually good gamers, and the quarterback didn’t should be the focus this yr that Bryce wanted to be on the workforce this yr."
Younger proved instantly that he was able to the duty. Younger's debut towards Miami noticed him throw for 344 yards and 4 touchdowns, nevertheless it was his end that earned him the Heisman.
As November approached, the race appeared to be open for all. Kenneth Walker from Michigan State, who got here in sixth place, Stroud, and Anderson have been all briefly on the high of the leaderboards.
Younger led Alabama to a game-tying landing drive of 97 yards towards Auburn on Thanksgiving weekend. He overcame what had been certainly one of his worst video games and delivered when it was most essential.
He stated, "In some methods, you possibly can say that I used to be extra nervous at this time than earlier than the drive towards Auburn), since a lot of it's past your management."
Younger might need the strongest high quality of Younger's confidence, even when he isn't a robust individual.
Craig Younger, his father, acknowledged earlier this week that "that is simply at all times existed." It is merely the power to stay calm in chaos and never see it as chaos.
Bryce Younger continued his clutch efficiency in Iron Bowl with one other masterpiece. Younger handed for a report 421 yard SEC championship recreation and the Crimson Tide shredded Georgia's famed protection in a victory of 41-24.
Saban acknowledged, "He was superb down the stretch."
Younger was capable of assist Alabama obtain one other milestone, the Heisman race.
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