And...There's a Vote for Samardzija

We've become big checkers of StiffArmTrophy.com in the past few days, if for nothing else to provide some blog fodder in the two or so weeks before we talk with Notre Dame players again.

So what did we notice today -- Notre Dame senior wide receiver Jeff Samardzija picked up a third place vote. Doug Clarke of the Elyria (OH) Chronicle-Telegram voted Troy Smith, Mike Hart, Jeff Samardzija according to his story.

As for Brady Quinn, he's holding in third place behind Smith and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden. Another interesting tidbit from the Cleveland Plain Dealer -- John Hoover of the Tulsa (Okla.) World said he won't vote for Smith because of previous suspensions. So it could end up being another vote for Quinn here.

-By Michael Rothstein of The Journal Gazette

Comments

[anonymous]

who would possibly put in a vote for samardzija, he is not that good, he doesn't have speed, he barely jumps, i think last year was just luck, he does play fro the fighting irish. who are you kidding he shouldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence as the word heisman!!!!! he doesn't show up in the big games(michigan 4catches,30yrds. usc 6catches,79yrds.) he can't make big plays against big time teams!!!!!!!!!

[Michael Rothstein]

Anon --
Please realize I didn't cast a vote for Jeff Samardzija for the Heisman. I would agree with you that he doesn't deserve any consideration for the award this season. In fact, we can think of at least four wide receivers who have had better years than the pitcher/wideout. We are merely reporting that Doug Clarke, mentioned above, gave Samardzija a vote.
-Michael Rothstein

[mike evans, fl]

Why the heck not?! Samardzija is good enough to be up for the award if its given to the nations top player. What do you mean he doesn't step up in the big games?! He had td catches in both of those games while being double teamed constantly.

And Mike, get some balls then do something with those glasses. How is Samardzija not one of the top WR?! I see him Calvin J, and Dwyane J all in the same category. And I take Samardzija 2nd in that list.

When either of you play a down of football in your life, then you can start crtiquing players.

[Bryan Mattison]

You guys are idiots.
What do you mean Samarja doesn't jump and can't catch?!
He's an insane WR, and probably the best overall wr prospect in the sraft. Learn the game of football you schmucks.

[Michael Rothstein]

Mike and Bryan --
I'm not sure where to start. I've never said Samardzija isn't one of the best wide receivers in the country. He is quite good. I never questioned his speed or athleticism (if you notice, the person above my response made those claims, not I). Samardzija is probably one of the better athletes at Notre Dame in general, not just on the football team. And he certainly can jump.
As far as where he'll fall in the draft, Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson will be the No. 1 receiver prospect entering the combine if he comes out. The kid is special.
We think Samardzija will be a first round pick and he had a very good year -- but not one worthy of the Heisman. That was our point. He was probably the fourth or fifth best receiver in college football this year, which isn't a slouch to him. Johnson, Rice's Dillard, Meachem from Tennessee and Dwayne Jarrett all at least equaled Samardzija's accomplishments.
But remember, being in the Top 5 isn't a slight at all.
-Mike