The Cincinnati Enquirer

He was unworthy of the Heisman Trophy or so went the prevailing notion regarding Oklahoma quarterback Jason White after last season. After a stellar first 12 games, on which most of the Heisman voting was based, White combined to throw four interceptions and zero touchdown passes in successive losses in the Big 12 and Bowl Championship Series national title games.

But he returned to OU this season, not to join Archie Griffin as a two-time Heisman Trophy winner (1974 and '75), but to win those team titles that Oklahoma fell short of claiming in 2003. After a fifth career knee surgery in the offseason, White says he feels better than ever - certainly more healthy than most of last year when he played with a sore right knee - but he doesn't consider himself the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. White has publicly stated that honor belongs with Southern California quarterback Matt Leinart, and that's where White would prefer the spotlight remains until the national championship in January.

But the Sooners' quarterback did have time to take part in the 2 Minute Drill this week with the Enquirer's Dustin Dow.

Q: What can the defending Heisman trophy winner possibly do for an encore ?

A: I don't think there's much more than winning the Big 12 Championship and then the national championship.

Q: You've stated in the preseason that you don't expect to be the Heisman frontrunner and don't care to be. Most players would relish the chance to make that kind of history. Why are you different?

A: Those things just happen to people. It's not a goal that you can actually accomplish and I'd much rather have a national championship.

Q: If you could pick one on-field moment in your career so far to remember forever, what would it be?

A: I think it'd just have to be the first game back from both of my knee surgeries. Actually getting out there and playing again.

Q: You came back for your senior season. What is your favorite thing about Norman and OU?

A: I like the tradition of the football school, it's close to my hometown and the coaches are really great.

Q: You have a young daughter. How many OU Sooners items of clothing does she have?

A: There's no telling.

Jason White at a glance

	CMP	ATT	YDS
2003	278	451	3846
2002	20	34	181
2001	73	113	681