Colt For Heisman

Texas quarterback Colt McCoy was a young pup on a team full of veterans last season and still was a leader by the end of the season. This offseason McCoy is bulking up to better last through a tough Big 12 season and growing as a leader as well:

Having immersed himself in the weight room since last season, the 6-foot-3 McCoy, listed at 195 pounds last fall (up from 175 as a high-school senior) is now up to 208, and it shows. “His face still looks like he’s 19,” said Texas offensive coordinator Greg Davis, “but his body is starting to look like a real man.”

Those who have watched Texas’ spring workouts so far, however, say the biggest change in McCoy isn’t physical. With the departure of a large, senior class synonymous with that ‘05 championship team, McCoy has emerged as the ‘Horns’ unquestioned on-field leader. “He’s gotten more aggressive in his conversations,” said Texas coach Mack Brown. “They know he’s ‘the guy.’ They trust him.”

Colt and his receivers should be in for a big season next year as they’ve now had a full two years working together. This team lost a lot of senior leadership on the offensive line and will need McCoy to pick up the slack. Sounds like he’ll be up to the task.

The AOL FanHouse is running a series of posts with their favorites for the 2007 Heisman Trophy and they think Colt McCoy is a real contender. Here’s why our top guy is on their list:

McCoy’s passing stats were on par with Troy Smith and Brady Quinn’s and he was leading his team like a grizzled veteran. He led the Horns to come from behind victories against Nebraska and Texas Tech. Before that fateful QB sneak against Kansas State, McCoy was setting team and national records and had the Horns in position to defend their national title. Imagine the numbers he could’ve put up if offensive coordinator Greg Davis hadn’t kept the training wheels on for so long.

Before his injury McCoy was one of the nation’s top QB’s and was still able to set all time passing records for the University of Texas. If he can continue to improve and keep alive behind a rebuilt offensive line, he’ll put up big numbers and could be in the Heisman race for the next three seasons.