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No ordinary Joe Georgia Tech's Hamilton in Heisman hunt
Posted: Tuesday November 09, 1999 01:24 PM
ATLANTA (CNN/SI) -- Joe Hamilton has literally put his hometown of Alvin, S.C. on the map. Because of his success, maps at state reststops will now include his tiny home town. That's the kind of year it's been for the senior quarterback at Georgia Tech. And while he may be considered in many circles as the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, Hamilton doesn't want to hear about it right now. He's got some football to play. "We'll see what happens at the end of the season," Hamilton said. "That's the time to think about the Heisman, definitely not the thing to think about mid-season because it could become a big, big distraction." His head coach knows his prized player can't win anything without the help of his teammates. "He doesn't want to hear it," says George O'Leary. "He knows it's a team award. You watch games, he's the first one to the people that score, to the defense when they make a great play." Junior offensive guard Brent Key says Hamilton gets a Lot of teasing from other players. "Of course we joke about it sometimes," he said. "We call him 'Mr. Heisman,' stuff like that. And he's the first one to shrug it off, say, 'Oh no, I'm not thinking about that' and I really don't believe that he is." Hamilton adds there's a time to talk about the award and joke about it, but he says he and his fellow players "have to keep in perspective, know when to close the door on it and when to open it." Hamilton may be trying to keep a lid on the Heisman hype but there's no denying his credentials for the award:
- 1st in the nation in passing efficiency with at 182.08 In fact, Hamilton's season has been reminiscent of another 5-foot-10 inch quarterback. One who won the Heisman 15 years ago. "I definitely root for Doug Flutie to do the best he can do, and hopefully open doors for guys like me and open up some eyes that maybe not a status quo, short quarterbacks can't get it done." Hamilton is quick to praise his competition for the Heisman giving credit to Alabama's Shaun Alexander, Purdue's Drew Brees and Florida State's Peter Warrick. And he has clear admiration for Wisconsin's Ron Dayne and his pursuit of the NCAA rushing record set by last year's Heisman winner, Ricky Williams of Texas. "Superb, I think the record he's trying to chase and the record he will get is exceptional. If they want to give it to him because of that, or because he's having a great season, I have no problem with that. I have no control over that." Not surprisingly, if O'Leary had any control over the selection process, there's no doubt in his mind who the winner would be. "If the Heisman goes to the best overall player, I don't know if anybody is playing any better than Joe right now, as far as productivity and efficiency. And again, with someone that has the ball in his hands, he does the right things more often than most people in this country and makes plays doing it." While other candidates like Dayne and Brees have only two more games, Hamilton has an advantage with four more chances to impress Heisman voters. After road games at Virginia and Wake Forest, with a home contest versus Clemson sandwiched in between, the season-finale will be a nationally televised matchup Thanksgiving weekend against arch-rival Georgia. If Tech can run the table, Hamilton could find himself with an outside chance at a national championship trophy as well. "We're going to be in the mix when it's all over," Hamilton said. "Somewhere close to the top to be considered a top team and who knows? Who knows? A couple of slip-ups there and Georgia Tech might make it down to New Orleans. We can be there, we can be there. Watch out," he says with a laugh. Hamilton may end up with the last laugh, even if he doesn't make it to the Sugar Bowl. Especially if a 5-foot-10 quarterback stands tallest on Heisman day.
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