McElroy’s fast start leads to early Heisman talk

September 29, 2009

By Ken Rogers

A mention in one of the notes for Wednesday’s Dothan Eagle is quarterback Greg McElroy’s name coming up in a Heisman candidate discussion.

This from a guy who hadn’t started a college game before the Virginia Tech season opener. It was his first start since the 2005 Texas high school state championship game.

Center William Vlachos, who is McElroy’s roommate, said the talk is a direct correlation with Alabama’s fast start this season.

“But I know Greg, and I know the only thing that Greg’s worried about right now is our game this week and our team and leading our team,” Vlachos said this week. “Any accolades or success or anything that the media gives him is great for our team, but he’s only worried about winning the game.”

McElroy was asked about going from an unknown entity to a darkhorse Heisman candidate in four games.

“It does happen quick, but you’ve got to be prepared for it, because of the situation that are presented with,” the quarterback said. “We’re the No. 3 team in the country and that’s all great and good, but you don’t give any award or championship trophies after four games of the season.

“It’s a long haul. It’s a marathon not a sprint. So we’ve got to continue working, we’ve got to continue improving, because those are what the better teams in the country are doing.”