WEST LAFAYETTE | Being a fifth-year senior and a third-year starter at "The Cradle of Quarterbacks" apparently isn't enough to be a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate for Purdue's Curtis Painter.
Maybe it's his 54 career touchdown passes and 35 interceptions in 36 games.
Or perhaps the 0-7 record and eight picks against Big Ten powers Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan and Penn State that raise the question: Can this Vincennes native ever win the big one?
In a recent Associated Press story about Heisman hopefuls, heading the list were Florida QB Tim Tebow, Ohio State running back Chris Wells, Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno, West Virginia QB Pat White, Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and QB Chase Daniel, and Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford. Painter didn't receive a line of type.
That's not to say he can't open eyes if Purdue starts strong against a not-so-friendly schedule, sustains it, and gives retiring coach Joe Tiller the proper sendoff with a BCS game.
Painter is following in some Sasquatch-size footsteps at Purdue, as most quarterback recruits do. Names like Bob DeMoss, Gary Danielson, Len Dawson, Bob Griese, Mike Phipps, Jim Everett, Mark Herrmann, Drew Brees and Kyle Orton are forever linked to Big Ten football supremacy.
To his credit, Painter would rather create his own identity and good for him.
"Things are so different from when Brees was here and even from when Orton was here," Painter said. "It's hard for me to really compare myself because the type of offense has changed. The way I look at it, it's about the W's and that's all that counts."
Tiller wants Painter to show more poise in the pocket while under pressure. Much of the line remains intact from a spread offense that led the conference at 435.9 yards per game, which explains all the smiles on their side of the football.
"I don't like to read things that are written about me or even about the team," Painter said. "I don't care about people's opinions. I pay attention to what's inside the organization. That's where I get my feedback from. That's helped me a lot in trying to avoid all the distractions and outside comments."
Purdue certainly is doing its part in promoting Painter for Heisman consideration. He graces both the media guide and even has his own calendar, entitled: "Painting A Masterpiece" that runs from August through January of 2009 -- featuring action photos, career stats and personal insight on No. 12.
He actually found it humbling.
"I'm kinda to myself. My personality doesn't allow me to be the wild and crazy guy that goes to parties. That's just not me," Painter said.
He had 19 interceptions as a sophomore, 11 last season, and wants to lower that number again. He says he's smarter, a better decision-maker, and stronger from head to toe.
Heisman love? Sounds like Curtis Painter is ready to go grab some.
This column solely represents the writer's opinion. Reach him at ahamnik@nwitimes.com.
