| | Don't be so quick to give the Heisman Trophy to Ron Dayne, says Heisman hopeful Joe Hamilton.
Georgia Tech's record-setting quarterback told ESPN.com users in chat he plans to make the most out of his last two games of the season and the race for the famed trophy is not over. Hamilton also talked about Saturday's matchup with Wake Forest and what Doug Flutie has done for his career.
An edited transcript from Hamilton's Nov. 16 chat follows:
Mike: With two tough games remaining, what does Tech have to do to gain back some of the
respectability from the pollsters it lost after the Virginia loss that pushed Tech back farther
in the polls?
Joe Hamilton:
We just have to go out and play hard and win those two games. There are a lot of things that can
happen ahead of us but we can't worry about that. We just have to play hard.
Shelly: What are your plans after Georgia Tech?
Joe Hamilton:
Hopefully I can play professionally in the NFL. If not, I am on schedule to graduate this year and if I don't
play pro ball, I hope to get into the sports business somehow.
Lots of people have asked if I can play quarterback in the NFL with my height. All I can say is, give me
a chance.
K-Love:
I know that a lot of us (students) are looking past Wake and on to the Pups. How hard is it for
you to concentrate on Wake?
Joe Hamilton:
It is not that hard. Wake is capable of beating us. If we let them beat us, it will kill the hype
around the Georgia game. We just have to take it one game at a time.
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HAMILTON'S FILE
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Hamilton, the Yellow Jackets' 5-foot-10 senior quarterback from Alvin, S.C., has been a Heisman candidate throughout the season. On Saturday, Hamilton tied the Georgia Tech single-game record with five touchdown passes against Clemson. He also racked up 410 yards of total offense in the 45-42 victory over the Tigers, and on his fifth touchdown pass, became the ACC's all-time leader in touchdown passes (60). Hamilton, whose Georgia Tech offense leads the nation in total offense (510.7 average) and scoring (41.6), also leads the nation in passing efficiency (182.8), ranks third in total offense (338.0) and is Tech's second-leading rusher (and eighth in the ACC) with 604 yards. He is the ACC's all-time total offense leader (9,888) and is fifth in passing yardage (8,260).
For more on the Yellow Jackets, visit the FANSonly Georgia Tech team page.
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I think we will come out and play hard because we know what we have to do. We will come
out and get it done and I will be disappointed if we don't. I think everyone is really focused
and we don't want to slip up and ruin the season.
Jacket Fan: How is the offense affected when the defense plays at a lower level?
Joe Hamilton:
We are not affected. Our job is to score points. It is a team effort. There are times when we
have to help them out and they help us out. Right now we have to stay together as a team.
Shaddow: Do you think you
should be getting more consideration for the Heisman?
Joe Hamilton: I don't know where I stand in the whole deal. I have two more games and believe me, it is not
over yet.
CuTiger: What do you think of the matchup between you and Quincy Carter?
Joe Hamilton:
I am not really thinking about that. We have one more game before that game so I will think
about that next week.
He is a very good player.
Techie: Do you think the success of Doug Flutie is helping to put to rest the theory that you must be tall
to play QB in the NFL?
Joe Hamilton:
Yes, absolutely. What he is doing is great for guys like me. I would not be interested in playing another
position in the NFL. I want to play quarterback. I think I have the ability to make plays and that will help me at the next level.
Casey O'Brien: How does Georgia Tech look in the upcoming years?
Joe Hamilton:
I think we will be pretty good. Now that we have a winning tradition, we've gone to some bowl games and we are improving, the
recruiting is starting to come around. I like the look of this team.
EFresh: Do you think that the BCS is the best way to go? If not, what do you think would be the
best way to determine the national championship?
Joe Hamilton:
So far the BCS has not had any flaws. Last year they had No. 1 vs. No. 2 and they are
headed that way this year too. So I would leave it alone.
CuTiger: Would you trade the Heisman for a chance to play for the national championship?
Joe Hamilton:
Yes, I would. Individual awards have no place for me. The national championship is the
ultimate goal in college football and I would give anything for a shot at it.
Unfortunately, that is all the time I have for now. Thanks for all the questions and all the
support.
Take care, everyone. | |
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