It’s been more than 20 years since a defensive player won the Heisman Trophy, but after Chase Young’s performance against Wisconsin on Saturday, fans want the Ohio State defensive end to be in the conversation for 2019.
In the close first half against the Badgers, Young was merciless and sacked quarterback Jack Coan twice and had three tackles for loss. He led defense-dominated first half, as Ohio State contained running back Jonathan Taylor, who is among the Heisman favorites but had just 12 carries for 25 yards in the first 30 minutes.
He also had a sack late in the third quarter and early in the fourth for a career-high of four total in a single game.
Young entered the Buckeyes’ home game against Wisconsin with 9.5 sacks and 23 total tackles on the season, and Saturday against the Badgers, he passed his 10.5 total from the 2018 season.
He wowed everyone, including LeBron James and JJ Watt.
But despite his impressive season so far, Young isn’t on Heisman oddsmakers’ radar, while two of his teammates are.
Behind LSU quarterback (and Ohio State transfer) Joe Burrow’s even odds this week, Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields was listed at 10/1 and running back J.K. Dobbins was at 40/1, according to BetMGM.
Only twice this century has the Heisman winner not been a quarterback — both were Alabama running backs — and the last time a defensive player won was 1997 with Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson taking the trophy home.
Between the Heisman’s recent history and Young seldom being mentioned among the favorites this year, college football fans are calling out the voting for favoring quarterbacks while demanding Young be considered.
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