Wells aims to prevent a Tebow double dip
Sunday, July 20, 2008
By Tim May
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Archie Griffin's niche in college football history as the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner is being threatened again. But his Ohio State protege, running back Chris "Beanie" Wells, doesn't plan to stand idly by and let it just happen.
As much as he would like to become the seventh player from Ohio State to win the award, "It would be great, too, to be able to defend his honor," Wells said of Griffin, the Heisman winner in 1974 and '75.
It's not going to be easy. Last season, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow became the first sophomore to win it. Since he and the Gators are expected to be a national contender, he must be considered the Heisman favorite, too.
But Wells isn't conceding anything. And his team, coming off back-to-back losses in national title games, certainly could make a third straight trip.
Wells helped propel them there last year. Despite chronic pain in an ankle and a broken bone in his left hand, he piled up 1,609 yards to break Griffin's school records for rushing yards by a sophomore. That's why he's on most Heisman contender lists.
"It's an honor and a blessing just to be mentioned in the same sentence with the Heisman Trophy," Wells said. "But the most important thing is going out and winning football games. If the Heisman was to come along with it, that would be great."