Alabama RB Ingram wins Heisman Trophy first in Tuscaloosa History

Alabama RB Ingram wins Heisman Trophy

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Alabama running back Mark Ingram has won the 2009 Heisman Trophy, college football's most prestigious honor.

It was the closest voting ever for the award and the first Heisman Trophy in Alabama's storied history. Ingram edged Stanford running back Toby Gerhart by just 28 points; Texas quarterback Colt McCoy finished third, Nebraska defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh fourth and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow fifth.

Ingram becomes the third consecutive sophomore to capture the award, joining Tebow, the 2007 winner, and Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, last year's recipient. Ingram amassed 1,542 yards and 15 touchdowns on 249 attempts, helping the Crimson Tide go 13-0 and advance to the BCS title game against Texas.

"It's truly a team award. They've had a lot to do with my tremendous success," said Ingram. "I just want to thank all of them, especially the offensive line."

Ingram was the first Alabama player to be a Heisman finalist since quarterback Jay Barker in 1994; no player from the school had ever finished higher than third in the voting.

"It's a great honor to be a member of the Heisman fraternity," said Ingram. "I'm just so excited to bring Alabama their first Heisman winner."

The vote totals showed Ingram with 227 first-place tallies and a total of 1,304 points. Gerhart had 222 first-place votes and 1,276 points.

McCoy, who was last year's runner up to Bradford, compiled 203 first-place markers and 1,145 points. Suh finished fourth with 815 points.

Having set an FBS record for most career collegiate wins with 45 this season, McCoy threw for 3,521 yards and 27 touchdowns, leading the Longhorns to a 13-0 record, a Big 12 championship and a berth into the BCS title game against Alabama and Ingram.

Gerhart helped Stanford advance to its first bowl game since 2001 by rushing for 1,736 yards and an incredible 26 touchdowns -- both tops in the Pac-10.

Suh was attempting to become the second true defensive player to win the award, as former Michigan cornerback and current Green Bay Packers standout Charles Woodson captured the Heisman in 1997 for the national championship- winning Wolverines.

There are currently 926 voters for the Heisman Trophy, comprising of 870 media representatives, 55 living Heisman winners and one overall fan vote.

Tebow had 390 total points, followed by Clemson running back C.J. Spiller (223), Boise State QB Kellen Moore (100), Houston quarterback Case Keenum (37), Cincinnati wide receiver Mardy Gilyard (23) and Notre Dame wideout Golden Tate (21).

Ingram was the top finisher from the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South and Midwest regions with Gerhart second each time. Gerhart won the West region, while Suh captured the Southwest.