Cal’s Jaydn Ott details his Heisman Trophy aspirations for next season

A running back hasn’t won the Heisman Trophy since Alabama’s Derrick Henry did it in 2015 after rushing for 2,200 yards on a national championship team.

LSU’s Jaylen Daniels last weekend became the 20th quarterback since 2000 to take home college football’s biggest individual honor.

But Cal sophomore running back Jaydn Ott, who will try to add to his 1,260-yard season on Saturday when the Bears face Texas Tech at the Independence Bowl, wants to be part of the Heisman conversation a year from now.

“That’s definitely in my head when I’m working out and I’m practicing. I just use it as extra motivation,” he said.

Certainly he would be a long shot to win it, right?

“Nah, it’s not a long shot,” Ott said.

So exactly what would it take to become a Heisman contender?

“Quote-unquote, you would have to go stupid.”

In other words, compile crazy numbers. Ott had five games this season of at least 150 rushing yards. “Get some of those up to 200,” he said, outlining a strategy to be relevant in the discussion.

Ott has so far declined to address whether he is committed to playing for Cal next season, but perhaps he gave a hint when responding to whether a 1,000-yard season and bowl game added up to a satisfying 2023 season.

“Not really. There was a lot that was left out there, on my behalf and on the team’s behalf. We didn’t get things going until later in the season, which will be a no-no for next season,” he said, referring to the Bears’ 3-6 start followed by three-game win streak to reach 6-6. “I wouldn’t say satisfied is a good word.”

CAL’S ROSTER UPDATE: When Sam Jackson V, the Bears’ starting quarterback in the season opener, entered the transfer portal this week, it briefly appeared Cal might not have a scholarship backup to Fernando Mendoza for Saturday.

But coach Justin Wilcox announced Tuesday that Ben Finley, who also has put his name into the portal, will remain with the team for one final game.

Finley, who transferred to Cal from North Carolina State last summer, played in six games this season, passing for 572 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions.

Among others in the portal, No. 1 placekicker Mateen Bhaghani and reserve offensive tackle Brayden Rohme both will be available Saturday. Gone are inside linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr, the team’s leading tackler, defensive back Jeremiah Earby and wide receivers Taj Davis and Brian Hightower.

Wilcox said reserve running backs Isaiah Ifanse and Jaivian Thomas, both sidelined by injuries in recent weeks, remain day-to-day.

JOHNSON’S FULL SEASON: After missing two full seasons due to serious injuries to his hip and knee, defensive lineman Brett Johnson made his return to the field for the Bears’ season opener at North Texas on Sept. 2 after 1,001 days.

Johnson started all 12 games this fall and was a semifinalist for the AP Comeback Player of the Year award. His coaches didn’t need any outside validation to appreciate Johnson’s remarkable journey back.

“The injury part of football is something we’re all aware of,” defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon said. “However, the loneliness I think you experience when you’re having those long-term rehabs, no one’s there to share that burden with a player. For him to come back from those two back-to-backs, I’m really proud of him as a young man.”