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10 best Heisman Trophy winners in history

By Nathaniel Reeves

Dec 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Alabama running back Derrick Henry name appears on the Heisman Trophy during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis after winning the trophy during the 81st annual Heisman Trophy presentation. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Alabama running back Derrick Henry name appears on the Heisman Trophy during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis after winning the trophy during the 81st annual Heisman Trophy presentation. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines former player Charles Woodson is introduced during the first half of the game against the Hawaii Warriors at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines former player Charles Woodson is introduced during the first half of the game against the Hawaii Warriors at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Charles Woodson, 1997

As the only primarily defensive player to ever win college football’s top honor, Woodson deserves a place among the all-time Heisman greats.

Woodson was one of the top recruits in the entire nation coming out of high school after being named Ohio’s Player of the Year in 1995. While Woodson garnered most of his attention as a running back, the Wolverines gave him a starting cornerback job as a freshman.

Following a terrific first season in Ann Arbor that earned him Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, Woodson intercepted four passes and set a school record with 15 pass breakups in 1996. More importantly, the Wolverines gave Woodson a handful of snaps on offense and special teams, resulting in a few big plays.

That set up a potentially huge junior season for Woodson as he got more involved in the offense. Woodson had his best year as a cornerback with seven interceptions and 43 tackles, while also totaling 11 catches for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Between receiving, rushing and punt returns, Woodson racked up just over 500 total yards and four scores.

It’s hard to measure the impact of a defensive player when compared to a quarterback or running back, but voters rewarded Woodson for leading Michigan to the 1997 national title. Woodson didn’t exactly face easy competition, as he had to beat out Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning for the award.

The Oakland Raiders picked Woodson fourth overall in the 1998 draft, and he is a lock for the Hall of Fame when eligible in 2021. Peppers has a chance to join Woodson as a two-way Heisman winner on Saturday, although he is a big underdog to Jackson.

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