EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a series on Heisman contenders.

Colt McCoy used to live in the shadow of Vince Young, the Texas quarterback who led the Longhorns to the 2005 national championship. That was before McCoy led Texas to No. 1 this year and at least had the Longhorns included in the debate over who should play for the title.

Along the way, McCoy passed Young in career victories, and just like Young in 2005, is among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy.

Credentials

McCoy’s regular season ranks among the best in school history.

With 576 rushing yards, he leads the Longhorns by 200 yards and is second on the team with 10 rushing touchdowns. His 3,445 yards passing and 32 touchdowns are school records, and McCoy’s 77.6 percent completion rate will smash the NCAA record if he maintains it against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.

Humble beginnings

McCoy was a solid if unspectacular recruit from the tiny West Texas ranching town of Tuscola.

The self-described “stick figure” weighed 185 pounds soaking wet.

“Scrawny” is how defensive end Brian Orakpo described his look as a freshman in 2005.

“Goofy” is how tailback Chris Ogbannaya put it.

Today, they call him their leader. And for good reason as he has gone 31-7 as a starter with nine career second-half comebacks.

Not done yet

Despite some recent questions over whether he would consider entering the NFL draft next spring, McCoy said this week he will return for his senior season in 2009.

He said it

“I can’t imagine a player that means more to his team than Colt does to ours.” – Texas coach Mack Brown

Photo by Photo illustration by Brent Briggeman, The Gazette