ABN: All Beanie Network

Beanie has been in the news a lot recently. From his impending Heisman campaign to his burgeoning scouting prowess, the All Beanie Network has it covered.

Heisman Hopeful: Nary has a season passed without Ohio State players being mentioned as serious candidates for the litany of awards given out each year. Watch list members turn into semifinalists; semifinalists into finalists, finalists into winners. You typically find Buckeyes at every stage of the way.

The Heisman Trophy is no exception. So, it should come as a shock to no one that Chris Wells is already being mentioned as a serious candidate for the award given to America’s best amateur quarterback or running back (occasionally wide receiver). The junior-to-be had a breakout sophomore season and he appears poised for even better numbers this fall. Winning the award will not be easy, however. Another junior-to-be with a loaded offense on a national championship caliber team returns this season. He already has one Heisman.

I have no problem with individual players striving for individual awards. Football is the most team-oriented game, by far, but individual motivations can become infectious in the weight room and practice field. One player’s tenacity can drive an entire squad. If the already great players (Wells, Jenkins, Laurinaitis) work even harder in an effort to achieve personal accolades (Heisman, Thorpe, Butkus), it will be impossible for others not to notice and set a good example for younger players. Read More...