My No. 1 vote went to Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden. He was my preseason Heisman pick, and even though his speed and athletic ability sets him apart, there were times during the season when he fell behind in my eyes. He lifted himself back to the top against LSU. That day he was the most outstanding, most exciting player I watched all season.

LSU is in the national championship game and favored by most to beat Ohio State. LSU may have the best defensive team in the nation, but the Tigers couldn’t stop McFadden at running back or quarterback. Think about that. A tailback who can step into the quarterback role and baffle the best defense is something special. Perhaps Tebow can beat people with his legs, but don’t we have several quarterbacks who mimic running backs these days?

McFadden rushed for 206 yards and three touchdowns and passed for another touchdown — against LSU. That is a Heisman moment from a tailback. LSU coach Les Miles even said so.

McFadden should have won this time. He found himself playing second fiddle to Tebow — just as he did last year to Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith. But on my list, McFadden was No. 1, followed by Brennan and then White. If White hadn’t been injured against Pittsburgh, he would have rallied the Mountaineers into the national championship game.

Tebow? He may be my preseason favorite for next year. He was on my list of others who were considered, battling for No. 4 along with Dixon, Daniel and Kevin Smith of Central Florida, who leads the nation in rushing.

That won’t make me popular in Gainesville, but it was my ballot. And I’m sticking to it.

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