ARCHIE'S INSIGHTS
It's hard to believe but we are only a few short weeks away from the start of the college football season. The summer went by so quickly I've hardly had a chance to catch my breath.
But speeding toward football season is something I'll never quarrel with. The fall is a wonderful time at Ohio State, and I really enjoy the way this campus comes alive at this time of the year.
I am excited about the possibilities this season holds and think our Buckeyes are poised for yet another great season. I've been asked about this a lot recently by media and friends who are looking for insight into the season.
Many of the people I've talked with have asked me to handicap this year's Heisman Trophy race. Since Florida quarterback Tim Tebow has a chance to join me as a two-time Heisman Trophy winner, I've been asked regularly about how I see the Heisman race playing out.
The first thing I always say is that I strongly believe there will be another two-time Heisman winner. If I was good enough to accomplish this, there's not a doubt in my mind that someone else can, too.
And Tebow will unquestionably be one of this year's top contenders. He is a wonderful college football player and someone who've I've admired since watching him up close at the BCS Championship Game two years ago. He certainly has all of the qualities you look for in a Heisman winner.
What impresses me most about Tebow is the fact that he may be a better person off the field than he is a player on it. He works to benefit those less fortunate and has spent many summers traveling abroad on missionary trips. It is hard not to root for someone who clearly "gets it."
Tebow is probably the favorite in this year's race, but you also can't overlook Buckeye running back Chris "Beanie" Wells. He is someone who showed flashes as a freshman but really came into his own last year. I have long said he reminds me of Jim Brown, who was my favorite running back when I was growing up. Although he has yet to accomplish what Jim did, Beanie has a similar running style and shares many characteristics with the Hall of Famer.
I think Tebow and Wells are probably the two favorites for the Heisman heading into the season. But the season itself can change a lot of things and I am sure new candidates will emerge. I will enjoy watching that race unfold.
-Archie
