Iowa State running back Troy Davis said he’ll “do whatever it takes” to win the Heisman Trophy next year after returning from his trip to the Big Apple on Sunday.

The sophomore from Miami finished fifth in the voting for this year’s Heisman Trophy behind winner Eddie George of Ohio State, Tommie Frazier of Nebraska, Danny Wuerffel of Florida and Darnell Autry of Northwestern.

Davis had 402 total points in the voting process, 1,058 behind George’s total of 1,460. ISU’s stellar tailback did receive 41 first-place votes, 80 second-place votes and 119 third-place votes on the Heisman ballots.

Davis said he wasn’t disappointed with the outcome, but he did learn a lot from the trip to New York City.

“I can say I’m the only running back to get 2,000 yards and not get the Heisman,” he said.

Davis ran for 2,010 yards this year for the Cyclones — the first sophomore ever in Division I history to do so. Only four other running backs rushed for over 2,000 yards in major college football and all of them won the Heisman that year.

Davis also led the nation in rushing and all-purpose yards. He carried the ball only 35 times a year ago during his freshman season. Under new head football coach Dan McCarney’s pro-style offense, Davis tore up the field against conference and non-conference foes alike.

“I’m looking forward to next year. I had a great time,” Davis said. “Coach McCarney said it was just good that I was there. I’ve got two more years.”

Before this year, ISU’s highest finisher in the Heisman voting was George Amundson, who was seventh in 1972.

McCarney said the exposure Davis received this weekend is an “immediate help” in recruiting.

“This was a tremendous experience for Troy and for our football team,” McCarney said. “Iowa State football got a lot of national attention because of Troy’s accomplishments.

“Based on where we started with this football team, can you imagine anything as good?”

McCarney said recruiting for ISU has been helped by Davis’ Heisman exposure. About 30 recruits had made visits to Iowa State the past two weekends.

“I’m very happy with the caliber of players we are bringing in,” he said.