DeSean Bishop leads the nation in second-half rushing yards, fourth-quarter touchdowns, and production against ranked opponents. Now, a Heisman Trophy voter believes Tennessee’s star running back could be headed to New York.
Tony Catalina, a Texas A&M insider for 247Sports and Heisman voter, joined Live Ball on Friday to discuss Bishop’s national recognition. Plus what it could take for him to emerge as a finalist for college football’s most prestigious individual award.
“I think he should be in every conversation going forward,” Catalina said.
Bishop surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in Tennessee’s 34-6 victory over Kentucky. It also extended his streak to five consecutive 100-yard performances. His production has helped establish the identity of an offense that continues to lean heavily on its ground game.
Tennessee launched a Heisman campaign for Bishop earlier this week, generating immediate support from Volunteers fans. But Catalina believes the running back’s candidacy extends beyond his statistics.
“I think it’s most impressive that everybody in the building knows that he’s going to get the football,” Catalina said. “Everyone in the building knows that they’re gonna try to stop him, and he can still make plays.”
The numbers support Catalina’s assessment.
According to Tennessee’s Heisman campaign, Bishop leads the nation with 422 rushing yards and five touchdowns against teams currently ranked in the Associated Press Top 25. His production has been equally impressive as games progress.
Bishop leads all FBS players with 661 second-half rushing yards and is the only player nationally with 10 rushing touchdowns after halftime. He also ranks first nationally with 369 fourth-quarter rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Those numbers illustrate why Bishop has become indispensable to Tennessee’s offense. Even when opposing defenses know where the football is going, Bishop has consistently delivered, particularly in the second half.
“I think he’s easily one of the best running backs in the country,” Catalina said.
What will it take for Bishop to reach New York?
With Tennessee climbing to No. 8 in the College Football Playoff rankings, the Volunteers’ postseason aspirations could play a significant role in Bishop’s individual recognition.
Catalina believes the formula for Bishop’s Heisman candidacy is relatively straightforward.
“I think for better or for worse, Tennessee has to keep winning,” Catalina said.
He also acknowledged the influence of late-season performances on Heisman voting, particularly as candidates attempt to separate themselves during the final weeks of the regular season.
“If Tennessee continues to win and he continues to be himself, like you know he’s capable of, he’s going to be in that conversation,” Catalina said. “And I would not be shocked to see him in a seat in New York when it’s all said and done.”
Bishop will have another opportunity to strengthen his case Saturday when Tennessee travels to College Station to face a Texas A&M defense that has made stopping the run a priority.
Catalina said the Aggies recognize Bishop as the focal point of Tennessee’s offense and are preparing accordingly.
“They have to shut down DeSean Bishop, and they’ll try to live with anything else that isn’t that,” Catalina said.
Todd Kelly Jr. praises Bishop’s humility
While Bishop’s production has drawn national attention, former Tennessee defensive back Todd Kelly Jr. believes the running back’s character has remained unchanged.
Kelly, who co-hosts Live Ball, said he spoke with Bishop on Thursday.
“He’s just the same old dude,” Kelly said. “You know, he just loves football, loves his team, loves the opportunity, gives the Lord all the glory for just all the things he’s been through, and just his humility, I think, is the biggest thing.”
Kelly also praised Bishop’s durability and continued improvement despite shouldering one of the heaviest workloads in college football.
“He’s getting better and better each game, so that’s really exciting to see,” Kelly said.
Kelly believes Bishop will surpass 100 rushing yards again Saturday against Texas A&M, extending his streak to six consecutive games.
For Bishop, the final stretch of Tennessee’s regular season presents an opportunity to accomplish two goals simultaneously: keep the Volunteers in the College Football Playoff race and strengthen his case for a place among the nation’s top individual performers.
As Catalina sees it, Bishop’s importance to Tennessee makes his candidacy difficult to overlook.
“But when you got a guy who who’s this important to an offense, it’s hard to ignore,” Catalina said.
