Stroud, and Stetson Bennett IV comprising the entire finalist field this season. Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson looks on after a game against Maryland on. The award has been criticized as being just a quarterback award and that criticism has been backed up quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Max Duggan, C.J. Hutchinson would be the first defensive player to win the Heisman since Michigan’s Charles Woodson in 1997. It was an incredible season that earned him Heisman honors over Peyton Manning and landed him as the fourth overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. However, it was his abilities as a jack of all trades that garnered him Heisman Trophy hype as he had a punt return for a touchdown, caught 11 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for a score as well.

He had seven interceptions at cornerback, which is incredible considering no one threw to his side of the field. That means he’s won at every level, both on a team level as well as every personal award possible. The future NFL Hall of Famer was a lockdown cornerback for Wolverines but he also dabbled as wide receiver and a kick returner for the eventual AP national champions. In fact, through the 87-year history of the Heisman Trophy, the only primarily defensive player to win the award was Charles Woodson at Michigan in 1997. 96 98 University of Michigan Charles Woodson is the only player to win the Heisman playing significant minutes on both sides of the ball since college football moved to a two-platoon system in the early 1960s. While the award in theory is given to the most outstanding player in the sport, there’s a curious lack of defensive players who have won it.

The 2022 Heisman Trophy will take place on Saturday and one of four finalists will permanently etch their names into college football history by taking home the award. Charles Woodson Michigan Wolverines Autographed Mini Helmet with Heisman 97 Inscription.

Charles woodson heisman