College football: Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin, Trent Richardson lead group of Heisman finalists

By Ralph D. Russo

Associated Press

Published: Monday, Dec. 5 2011 11:31 p.m. MST

View 4 photos »

FILE - This Nov. 12, 2011 file photo shows Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck (12) passing against Oregon in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif. Luck, Robert Griffin III and Trent Richardson are among the players expected to receive invites to the Heisman Trophy presentation when the finalists are announced. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

Associated Press

Summary

Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Trent Richardson, Tyrann Mathieu and Montee Ball are the Heisman Trophy finalists.

NEW YORK — Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Trent Richardson, Tyrann Mathieu and Montee Ball are the Heisman Trophy finalists.

The group, announced Monday on ESPN, includes the preseason favorite — Stanford quarterback Luck — and at least one player, Mathieu, who was low profile when the season began.

Luck is a finalist for the second straight season, while the other QB on the list, Griffin, is the first Baylor player to get an invitation to the Heisman dinner in New York.

Richardson is the second Alabama running back to be a finalist in the last three years. Former teammate Mark Ingram won the Heisman in 2009.

Ball has scored 38 touchdowns for Wisconsin and needs one more to match Barry Sanders' NCAA record.

Mathieu, the LSU defensive back nicknamed Honey Badger, has made numerous game-changing plays for the top-ranked Tigers.

Comments