Heisman frenzy creates lack of fairness

Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson is fast. He just ran three laps in the time it took me to write these two sentences.

Robinson is not only fast, he is also racking up yards at a ridiculous pace. He has as many yards as octogenarians have months behind them.

In addition to Robinson being fast and good at gaining yards, he plays for a traditional powerhouse.

So, Robinson's jump onto the Heisman trophy watch lists across the country is as surprising as the fact that rain came out of those dark clouds Saturday.

I just don't see Robinson continuing his ridiculous pace, nor do I think he deserves it. This is not a personal vendetta against Robinson for picking the blue and gold of Michigan over the purple of K-State. The reason for my aversion is the name on the front of his jersey is more important than the name on the back.

Michigan head coach Richard Rodriguez has turned every speedster into a college football legend. His system relies primarily on creating one-on-one advantages. Well, when Robinson gets into the open field, he is going to outrun 99 percent of his competition.

So, congratulations Rodriguez: you found an 193-pound bucket of ice that will keep your hot seat cool for one more year.

I realize players have a system that best utilizes their talents. One system makes a player look like a Heisman trophy candidate, the other like they have never played football before. Rich Rod's system is developed to take advantage of Robinson's speed.

He did the exact same with Pat White. White finished with the most rushing yards ever for a quarterback in Division I with more than 4,400 yards.

Guess where White finished in Heisman voting? Sixth and seventh.

Just because Robinson plays for a power-team like Michigan does not entitle him to the Heisman trophy. In the last 20 years, three players from nontraditional powers have won the Heisman.

It is a complete shame the Heisman has become nothing more than a popularity contest when it was designed to award the best player in college football. Instead, fans and media members alike get caught up in the hype and in the speed of someone like Robinson.

The speed becomes mind-boggling. The numbers become far-fetched. But what matters most is the name on the front.

DeAngelo Williams, who currently plays for NFL's Carolina Panthers, finished his senior campaign with consecutive 1,900-yard seasons and 18 touchdowns. Williams finished 7th for the Heisman in 2005.

Williams is one in a long line of small guys who never made a splash on the Heisman radar. It is about time someone realizes the recent mistakes of the media frenzy.

Until then, I will watch Robinson being interviewed by Erin Andrews, and I'll hear about how he got the nickname "Shoelaces" for the 40th time.

So, after watching Robinson highlights Saturday night for the seventh time, remember to wipe your slobber off the screen.