2008 Heisman Watch: Todd Reesing

It’s the most prestigious individual award in all of sports, and Athlon's Heisman Watch spotlights the top 25 candidates to hoist the trophy. Kansas quarterback Todd Reesing is next on the 2008 list, which will be released in no particular order.

Due to his size (5-foot-11), Todd Reesing wasn’t one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks out of high school. However, the Austin, Texas native opened some eyes toward the end of his true freshman season. Reesing completed 7 of 11 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns in rallying Kansas to a victory against Colorado. His impressive run at the end of 2006 opened the door to challenge incumbent Kerry Meier for the starting job in 2007.

Meier and Reesing were locked into a tight battle well into fall camp, with Reesing eventually claiming the starting spot. Eventually, he proved head coach Mark Mangino made the right decision. Reesing may not have the physical tools, but his smart, heady play led the Jayhawks to a 12-1 record and a victory against Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.

Reesing opened the year with 10 touchdowns in three games and threw for 200 or more yards in all but three contests on the year. “Sparky” as he is called by his teammates, finished 2007 with 33 touchdowns to only seven interceptions and 3,486 passing yards. In just two short seasons, the Jayhawk passer ranks seventh in Kansas history with 3,690 passing yards and owns the school record for the most passing touchdowns in a career with 36 and most 300-yard passing games with five.

Although the Jayhawks had a soft non-conference schedule, Reesing posted solid numbers against teams in the Big 12. In a showdown against rival Nebraska, Reesing sliced the Cornhusker defense for 354 yards and six touchdowns while the Jayhawks stormed to a 76-39 victory. The following week against Oklahoma State, Reesing torched the Cowboys for 318 yards and three touchdowns. In the regular season finale, he passed for 349 yards and two touchdowns against Missouri, but came up just short in the win column.

Why he’ll be holding the hardware: Reesing began last year as an unknown, but should be more of a household name entering 2008. The Jayhawks also have a couple of showcase games, including a September 12th showdown against South Florida and an October 18th road date against Oklahoma. Additionally, the November 15th contest against Texas and the season-ending contest against Missouri in Kansas City will be chances to make a statement.

Why he’ll be left out: Although the Jayhawks have more showcase games, they aren’t exactly easy match-ups. If Reesing struggles in those marquee contests, his Heisman campaign will take a hit. The Big 12 Conference has a collection of quarterbacks who are legitimate contenders for the Heisman. Reesing will likely have to duel Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford, Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell and Missouri’s Chase Daniel for votes in the Midwest.

Final Analysis: Despite last season’s terrific numbers, Reesing did not finish in the top 10 of Heisman voting. Starting 2008 as more of a household name will help his campaign, but if the Jayhawks finish with an 8-4 record, Reesing will be a longshot to make the trip to New York. The junior quarterback should put up solid statistics once again, but the tolls of playing a more difficult schedule will likely keep him out of serious Heisman consideration.

2007 STAT LINE

Other Links:

Athlon Sports' 2008 Heisman Watch
Read the Kansas team preview
Watch the Kansas preview video