Boston College Running Back Andre Williams Is a Heisman Trophy Finalist
Boston College Football photo Uploaded By AliHanlon on Flickr
For the second time since the legendary Doug Flutie was playing football for Boston College in the 1980s, the school could take home one of the most prestigious awards in college sports.
On Saturday, Boston College senior running back Andre Williams will head to New York to join six other finalists being considered as Heisman Trophy recipients at the 79th annual award ceremony.
The live Heisman Trophy announcement will take place on Saturday, December 14, and will air on ESPN at 8 p.m.
Williams has been lumped in with some of the top college players in the country, including quarterback Jordan Lynch of Northern Illionois, Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M, running back Tre Mason of Auburn, quarterback A.J. McCarron of Alabama, and quarterback Jameis Winston of Florida State.
Williams, a Pennsylvania native, stands at 6-feet tall, 227-pounds, and holds the record as the nation’s leading rusher, according to Boston College officials. He has registered 329 rushing attempts for 2,102 yards, and made 17 touchdowns in 12 games this season.
Williams also The senior running back rushed for 2,102 yards, scored 17 touchdowns, and averaged 6.4 yards per carry. He is the first Eagle to ever surpass the 2,000 yard rushing mark and set the school record for most yards rushed in a game, with 339 yards against North Carolina State, according to his player stats.
It will be the second time in the school’s history that one of their players will travel to New York City for the ceremonial proceedings and award announcement, according to school officials. The last time a football player from Boston College came this close to winning the Heisman Trophy was in 1984, when former Eagle quarterback Doug Flutie received the award. Flutie was also selected as a finalist in 1983, but didn’t win the trophy.
The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes “the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity,” according to the Heisman trustees, who give out the award each year.
Williams, as he noted on his Twitter feed this week, has a busy few days ahead. Besides the nod as one of the finalist for the Heisman, the college senior is also a finalist for the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back and Walter Camp Player of the Year.
He will travel to Florida on December 12, for the live-coverage and ceremony for the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards, according to Boston College officials.
Thinking all day about my family. Went away to school with nothing but a dream. Today, ESPN, BC blazer, making dreams a reality, God is good
— Andre Williams (@drewill44) December 5, 2013
