Tennessee launched an official Heisman Trophy campaign for running back DeSean Bishop on Tuesday, and the former walk-on responded by giving the credit to his faith, his teammates and his coaches.
Bishop met with reporters the same day, and Rocky Top Insider published a transcript of his comments. The Tennessean also posted video of his reaction. "Praise Christ, man. He gets the glory at the end of the day, first and foremost," Bishop said. "And it just goes back to where I started off, as a walk-on. It's not bad for a walk-on. But at the end of the day, it's a team award."
Bishop praised his offensive line, receivers and the running back room, and he thanked head coach Josh Heupel for taking a chance on him "even with my off-the-field struggles at first." He also credited running backs coach De'Rail Sims for pushing him and never letting him get complacent.
The numbers back up the campaign. According to Rocky Top Insider, Bishop has 1,066 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 196 carries this season. He is already among Tennessee's top 10 career rushers and could move into the top five Saturday at Texas A&M. "It's not really how you start, it's how you finish, and I feel like there's a lot more left on the table for me to go accomplish this year," he said.
Asked whether he imagined competing for the Heisman as a kid, Bishop was honest. "I knew it was the award everybody wanted to win. And did I think I would put myself in a situation to have a chance to win it? I mean, nah, I ain't gonna lie," he said.
Bishop said his faith keeps him grounded. "The path I was going down was very destructive, and He saved my life," he said.
Sims has been just as direct about Bishop's case. "There's no doubt about it. He deserves it," Sims said Tuesday, according to Tennessee Athletics.
The No. 9 Vols play at Texas A&M on Saturday at 2 p.m. CT.
Sources: Rocky Top Insider; The Tennessean; Tennessee Athletics