Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
It's an age-old conundrum, I know. Somebody always has to be left out.
But it still doesn't explain why the organizers of the Heisman Award didn't invite Graham Harrell to New York City this weekend for the presentation of the award.
Two Big 12 players will attend the festivities as Colt McCoy of Texas and Sam Bradford of Oklahoma are among the finalists with Florida's Tim Tebow. All of them will be a marvelous winner of the award.
But Harrell deserved to be there, too.
Not only has Harrell had a marvelous career, but he's done the little things that show all that is good about college football. He was a Draddy Award finalist and will end up as the most decorated player in Texas Tech's football history.
Harrell led Tech to its first 10-0 start in 70 years, beating a team that was ranked No. 1 along the way. The Red Raiders soared to No. 2 nationally - their highest ranking ever.
Along the way, he broke a slew of school and Big 12 records and came within two touchdown passes of breaking the NCAA career record for touchdown passes. I'm betting he gets that early in the Red Raiders' Cotton Bowl game against Mississippi.
He finished his home career with one of his most memorable comebacks, leading the Red Raiders on a 21-point rally in the second half for a 35-28 victory over Baylor in his final regular season game. The fact he did it with nine broken bones in the ring finger and pinkie of the non-throwing hand while playing made it even more remarkable.
Like I said, remarkable stuff indeed.
Harrell apparently will finish fourth, but deserved to receive the accolades of being introduced with the other Heisman finalists. The Heisman organizers fumbled by not making sure he was invited.
Tim Griffin joined ESPN.com in February 2008. He has covered the Big 12 since its inception, among a variety of beats during a 24-year career at the San Antonio Express-News. Griffin, a Memphis State University graduate, lives in San Antonio with his wife and son.
