Alabama linebacker McClain worthy of Heisman attention

If the Heisman Trophy winner should be awarded to the best player on the best team in college football, then we're already down to a three-man race as the season reaches the halfway point.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and Texas quarterback Colt McCoy were already among the favorites before the season began. Now, Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain is making the case that he is the best and most valuable player in college football.

If Heisman Trophy ballots were due today, my vote would still go to Tebow. I've had Tebow at the top of my ballot for the past two years, so why change now?

When Tebow won the award as a sophomore in 2007, he was clearly the best player in the country. His credentials as a leader and a winner were even stronger last year, when he finished third behind Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and McCoy.

Tebow's numbers alone should make him a Heisman frontrunner, but his impact on his team and college football as a whole has been far greater than can be documented on a stat sheet.

McCoy's incredible numbers are less impressive because of the Big 12 defenses he faces every week, but there's no denying his accuracy as a passer and his athletic ability as a runner.

McClain probably didn't have enough preseason buzz to make a strong run at the Heisman this year — not to mention that no defensive player has won the award since Michigan's Charles Woodson mysteriously beat out Peyton Manning 1997.

But no player has been more dominant every week than Alabama's 260-pound junior middle linebacker.

There is still a half a season to play, but if Heisman votes were due today, my ballot would read: 1. Tebow. 2. McClain. 3. McCoy.

Sports Editor Randy Kennedy is one of 926 Heisman Trophy voters. Contact him at rkennedy@press-register.com...