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J.T. Barrett on Heisman hype: Not too long ago, people were saying I shouldn’t start
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A wave of Heisman hype has surrounded Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett after his outstanding performance last Saturday against Penn State. It’s been quite the climb for the Buckeyes gunslinger, who many thought should be benched following the loss to Oklahoma.
But don’t think that because Barrett is suddenly one of the top candidates for college football’s most prestigious award that he’s forgotten about the doubters.
During a meeting with the media, Barrett was asked about the Heisman hype he’s received and how he’s able to compartmentalize all of those distractions and play football. In answering, the senior had a subtle jab aimed at all of those who doubted him.
“The world we live in…it’s kind of a microwave type of world,” Barrett said. “Not too long ago, I was at a spot where people were saying I shouldn’t start.”
“I am aware of that. Just don’t bite the apple because once you think you have it, you don’t. I’m just trying to do my best with the people around me…Just staying off social media so I don’t see that. Like I said, just a few weeks ago, I wasn’t good enough.”
Barrett has completed nearly 80 percent of his passes the last two weeks and has thrown 22 touchdowns without a single interception since the loss in Week 2 to Oklahoma. Here are the rest of Barrett’s comments from his meeting with the media.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB