Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel became the first freshman in the 78-year history of the award to take home the trophy after defeating Manti Te'o and Kansas State quarterback Colin Klein. Manziel received 474 first-place votes, compared to 321 earned by Te'o. Klein nabbed 60.
As I wrote about Thursday, this was the perfect storm for a defensive player such as Te'o to break through and become the first defender to win the award. Voters had other ideas, as every region except the Midwest was won by Manziel.
After tonight, I don't see someone who strictly plays on the defensive side of the ball ever winning the trophy. When Michigan's Charles Woodson won it following the 1997 season, he was also a punt returner and occasional wide receiver, which significantly improved his candidacy.
Sports Illustrated's Zac Ellis disagrees, in his 'Te'o's runner-up campaign should provide hope to defensive players' column' following the ceremony.
Ellis writes that this is not your father's Heisman Trophy, with barriers being broken in 2007 (Tim Tebow, first sophomore to win it) and 2012 (Manziel). The next domino (a defensive player) will fall and it's not a matter of 'if' but 'when,' according to Ellis.
While the next domino falling makes for a good narrative, let's be real. Despite Te'o's magical season, he still received 153 less first-place votes than his offensive counterpart. Why don't we just make the Heisman an offense-only award?
Johnny Manziel became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy earlier tonight.
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