Dak Prescott – From Laughable to Heisman Leader
Everyone saw the potential and everyone that was objective knew what they saw when Dak Prescott stepped on the field. From last year’s first start at Auburn, to spot play at Texas A&M and then the last waning minutes in the Egg Bowl of 2013, and everywhere in between – people saw the potential Dak Prescott possessed.
Sure there were questions about his passing ability, as he did throw for only ten touchdowns and had eight interceptions a year ago.
But –Heisman candidate? Surely not – not at Mississippi State, where quarterbacks have gone to disappear. “Mullen just kills quarterbacks and uses them as running back, that’s what Dak is – a running back.”
“ Dak is just a glorified Chris Relf, he had a 2-1 interception ratio a year ago.”
Many and more comments from Ole Miss fans and fans around the SEC were made in the offseason about Prescott and everyone rolled their eyes at him being a quality SEC quarterback. Many made fun of not only his arm but, of his ability to stay healthy.
Then back in May, ESPN analyst and former Florida Gator Jessie Palmer made a bold prediction that Mississippi State could win the SEC West and not only win it; he also said quarterback Dak Prescott was a Heisman Dark horse.
Palmer was blasted for making such a prediction, had his credibility shredded by fans and was even told he should resign as an analyst for such false claims and predictions.
Meanwhile, Prescott opened the summer as a 66-1 favorite per Bovada as a Heisman contender, again causing many outside the Mississippi State camp to laugh and proclaim “anyone can be a Heisman contender now.”
So here we are, halfway through the 2013 season and all of a sudden the peanut gallery is quiet, not much is being said in a negative manner anymore towards Prescott.
Prescott and his Mississippi State Bulldogs are currently the number-one team in America and Prescott has shot to the top of the leaderboard of the Heisman race.
We are built as people to have a negative connotation in life – that’s just the way it is. We doubt and need proof before we truly believe.
Many questioned Dan Mullen’s approach in the first three games of the season, as he switched in Prescott and backup Damien Williams saying, “This is foolish, Prescott needs snaps and more time, he’s not ready yet.”
Everyone on the outside had all the answers and doubted a coach in Mullen that has been grooming quality quarterbacks for years.
Dan Mullen took 2-star quarterback Chris Relf and molded him into a player he won 9-ballgames with in 2010, so why doubt the way he’s handling Prescott? Because that’s what people do.
Meanwhile Prescott was getting his snaps, lying in the weeds and was unleashed down in Baton Rouge a few weeks ago. Prescott was spectacular and he along with his teammates vaulted into the polls.
Many proclaimed LSU was down and yes they are not the LSU of yesteryear, but when you destroy them on their home field, it’s something special.
Then Prescott outperformed Kenny Hill as the Bulldogs wore Texas A&M out.
Then, just this past weekend Prescott threw from the pocket while taking shots, ran methodically with the football and helped his team beat Number-two Auburn in convincing fashion.
Granted, Prescott threw two interceptions, but the way he overcame those mistakes and went on to play made people take notice.
Over the last three weeks the Bulldogs have beaten three straight top ten teams in a row and that’s a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since Bo Jackson and Auburn did that in 1983.
The press and coaches have the Bulldogs as the number one team in the country and all of a sudden people everywhere believe in Dak.
From laughable to Heisman leader, Prescott has proven his critics to be wrong. Granted, there is a long way to go yet, but as of today, Prescott is the obvious choice as the Heisman front runner. A recent ESPN fan poll shows those around the country agree and believe now in Dak.
Newsday.com has Prescott as their number one guy as of today and states, “Prescott vaults to the top of the Heisman race after No. 3 Mississippi State upset second-ranked Auburn on Saturday. The junior completed 18 of 34 passes for 246 yards and a touchdown and had 121 yards and two scores on 21 carries.”
Prescott now leads notable players such as Marcus Mariota of Oregon, Everett Golson of Notre Dame and Jameis Winston of Florida State.
So just what would it take for Prescott to finish the deal and bring the coveted award back to Starkville?
In the words of the late Raiders owner Al Davis, “ just win baby, just win.” And so far he’s done that.
It’s a long way to the finish line, but right now Prescott has made believers out of his critics. His play and leadership has been phenomenal and his team is the top team in college football.
If he and his team can stay healthy, they just might pull this off. They are afterall, the first team in the 78-year history of the Associated Press poll to go from unranked to number one in five weeks. Prescott and his team have beaten the odds and right now, Prescott has history on his side as he is mimicking some pretty impressive players. He’s doing what he needs to do.
Dak Prescott has worked tirelessly, embraced the moment and has his team and fan-base sold on what he can do.
In the process, Prescott has shut his doubters up and nobody is making Dak jokes anymore. Prescott is for real as is his team and they both control their own destiny.
Everyone outside the Mississippi State camp now realizes this is no laughing matter.
Prescott and the Bulldogs have taken college football by storm and many of you owe Jesse Palmer a sincere apology.