Heisman Trophy Finalists Got Their Start In Track & Field

Heisman Trophy Finalists Got Their Start In Track & Field

Heisman Trophy Finalists Got Their Start In Track & Field

Dec 6, 2016 by Gordon Mack
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The 2016 Heisman Trophy finalists were announced. Check out where most of these football stars got their start: on the track! (And above, watch Jabrill Peppers win the 100m at the 2014 New Jersey Meet of Champions.) 

QB Lamar Jackson (Louisville)


MILESPLIT PROFILE
Boynton Beach H.S. | Class of 2015
- 11.38 100m PB (2014)
- 19-5 (5.92m) LJ PB (2015)

Jackson, the ACC Player of the Year, threw for 30 touchdowns and ran for 20 this year--making him just the third player ever to do so

QB Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma)


Did not compete in high school track


LB Jabrill Peppers (Michigan)


MILESPLIT PROFILE
Paramus Catholic H.S. | Class of 2014
- 4x NJ State Champ (100m, 200m)
- 10.51 100m PB (2013)
- 21.13 200m PB (2014)
- 50.34 400m PB (2011)
- 20-11 (6.38m) LJ PB (2014)

Peppers, in the black top and headband in the race at the top of this post, is the first defensive player to be a finalist since 2012. But he also ran for three touchdowns and returned a punt for a touchdown.


QB DeShaun Watson (Clemson)


MILESPLIT PROFILE
Gainesville H.S. | Class of 2015
- Georgia Middle School State Champ (High Jump)
- 5-10 (1.78m) HJ PB (2010)

For the second straight year, Watson has led Clemson to the Playoff and is a Heisman finalist. He combined for 43 touchdowns on the ground and in the air this year.


WR Dede Westbrook (Oklahoma)


MILESPLIT PROFILE
Cameron Yoe H.S. | Class of 2012
- 3rd at Texas 3A State Championship (200m)
- 21.87 200m PB (2011)

Westbrook caught 74 passes and 16 touchdowns this year, five years after finishing third in the 200m at the Texas state meet.