Melvin Gordon
Wisconsin Badger running back Melvin Gordon has been named one of three Heisman Trophy finalists, joining Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper. The Heisman winner will be announced Saturday night in New York City.
Gordon is the fourth finalist in UW history, joining previous Heisman winners Alan Ameche (1954) and Ron Dayne (1999), as well as Monte Ball who finished fourth in the 2011 Heisman voting.
Mariota is considered the favorite to win the award, completing 68% of his passes for 3,783 yards, with 38 touchdowns and two interceptions. Mariota is No. 1 nationally in passing efficiency, second in passing TDs and fifth in passing yards.
Mariota has also rushed for 669 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Gordon leads the nation in rushing yards (2,336), rushing yards per game (179.7) and rushing TDs (26). Gordon is also a finalist for the Doak Walker award, which will be handed out in Orlando on Thursday.
Cooper leads the nation in receptions (115) and receiving yards (1,656), is second in receiving yards per game (127.4) and is tied for second in receiving touchdowns (14).
AUDIO: Gordon says he’s eyed the Heisman when he decided to return to Wisconsin :12
AUDIO: Gordon knows Mariota is the favorite :16
AUDIO: Gordon on being a Heisman finalist :09