USC quarterback Cody Kessler says he’s humbled by Heisman Trophy talk

USC quarterback Cody Kessler might have been under the radar nationally in 2014, but that won’t be the case going into the 2015 season.

Kessler, who passed for 39 touchdowns with only five interceptions, will almost certainly be in the early Heisman Trophy discussion.

But after the Trojans’ first spring workout on Tuesday, the fifth-year senior reiterated that he’s not interested in individual glory.

“Obviously, it’s humbling,” Kessler said when asked about the Heisman talk. “It’s a very prestigious award and I would never want to say it doesn’t mean anything to me, because I think it’s pretty cool.”

But at the same time he cited former Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, last year’s Heisman winner: “He said he’d trade his Heisman Trophy for a national championship any day.”

Kessler said he would work this spring to improve on anticipating throws and eliminating sacks.

“Getting the ball out on time and maybe throwing it if the guy hasn’t broke yet, or even if he’s not open yet, kind of putting it where it needs to be,” he said. “It’s just going to come with timing and working with these guys more.”