Aidan Hutchinson weighs in on Heisman bias towards offensive players

More times than not, the Heisman Trophy goes to an offensive player, and usually a quarterback at that. Only one defensive player has won the Heisman Trophy, and that was Michigan defensive back Charles Woodson in 1997. Ahead of the presentation of this year’s Heisman Trophy, finalist Aidan Hutchinson has chimed in on the award’s bias towards offensive players.

“Yeah it’s tough just because I think quarterbacks and running backs, guys like that are put in more game changing scenarios where you put the ball in their hands and they can make a play,” Hutchinson said of the Heisman’s bias towards offensive players. “Whereas defensively, you really got to do a lot. Plays got to come your way. There’s a lot of factors that kind of go into it in order to change the game.

“So I just think the roots of football and how the game was made. And even with the trophy, it’s difficult for some guys to eb finalists because it’s got to be big and you got to play great in the big games. You’ve got to perform when it matters the most and I think I’ve done that. I think that’s why I earned my ticket here.”

When asked if he thinks every defensive player in the country is rooting for him to win the Heisman, Hutchinson said that he hopes that’s the case.

“I would hope so,” he said. I’m putting out for the defense right now.”

Hutchinson has a Heisman-worthy resume

Throughout the season, Hutchinson has established himself as one of the best players in college football. In addition to being a finalist for the Heisman, Hutchinson has played himself into consideration to become the top overall pick in this summer’s NFL Draft.

On the season, Hutchinson has 58 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 12 quarterback hurries and three pass breakups.

Alabama linebacker Will Anderson was a notable snub from this year’s Heisman finalists. Anderson has put up monster numbers on Alabama’s defense, but he is not in New York and will not win the Heisman Trophy. Former Alabama and NFL defensive back Roman Harper slammed the Heisman Trophy for the bias it shows towards players on offense.

“It’s an offensive award that they want to give to the best offensive player that has really transcended or taken his team to the next level,” Harper said. “Or if you’re a quarterback if you have championship potential or a championship team behind you. That’s who the award goes to. Just stop lying to the people. I’m a man of the people, so stop lying to us an telling us it goes to the best player when it’s purely not for the best player.”