I know I’ve complained about the Heisman award once already this semester. But now that the season has reached its midpoint, I feel it is time to further chastise this ridiculous award.

But this time I have knowledge on my side. Or rather, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s Top 50 draft prospects on paper in front of me.

Kiper is a (self-proclaimed) genius when it comes to figuring out the NFL draft each year, and occasionally he hits the nail on the head.

I assume there is a reason for ESPN paying this guy money to state his researched opinion on the air, so I’m willing to look at his list as criteria for my column.

Kiper examines all college football players when making out this list, including underclassmen that might not be heading to the draft. So everybody is considered when he makes this list.

The results are pleasing to a Heisman-hater like myself.

Orlando Pace tops the list, as he should. This incredible behemoth is the real deal, and will continue flattening opponents even when he reaches the professional level.

He’s getting some Heisman mention. Unfortunately, the word on Pace is that although he’s a great player, he won’t win the Heisman.

No stats, aside from pancake blocks. That figure doesn’t seem to hold as much water as the over-inflated yardage stats that are floating around out there.

Florida State’s Warrick Dunn is the first running back listed by Kiper, coming in seventh overall. Again, I have to agree with this choice.

Dunn has shown throughout his career that he has the complete package of size, speed and agility to make it at the next level.

But he’s a dark horse at best in the Heisman race.

Why?

Because he only gets to showcase his abilities during the first half of each FSU game.

By the time his stats reach the level of “solid,” FSU has the game at hand and his services are no longer needed. So Coach Bobby Bowden doesn’t keep him in there to roll up the yards.

That’s not to say that Troy Davis (who is ranked ninth, second at running back) isn’t a great player.

Iowa State needs every single yard that he rushes for each Saturday. But Dunn has that same ability, just not the opportunity.

But numbers talk with the Heisman. Particularly any number above 2,000, which earned Davis the honor of being a Heisman finalist.

But let’s look at what really matters: A shot in the pros. Of the three 1995 Heisman finalists that are still in college this year, only one is among the top 50 draft prospects (Davis at No. 9).

Darnell Autry and Danny Wuerffel were not to be found, although the latter will probably win the Heisman this year.

Even current Texas Tech sensation Byron Hanspard, who trails only Davis in rushing yards per game, had to settle for the fifth-best running back spot, twenty-seventh overall.

So keep your head up, Mr. Pace. Even though you won’t win this overrated award, you’ll get your shot with the NFL.

The only downside: You’ll probably get drafted by the Jets.

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Christopher Clair is a senior in journalism from Waukon. He is the sports editor at the Daily.