Crouch-ing Tiger

Nebraska’s Eric Crouch, an Omaha native, became the first true option quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy and the third Cornhusker, joining running back Mike Rozier (1983) and wingback Johnny Rogers (1972). Here is a brief look at his college career:

* Height: 6-1.

* Weight: 200.

* Born: Nov. 16, 1978.

* Year: Senior.

* Major: Exercise science.

* Career record: 35-6 as a starter.

* Other awards: Walter Camp player of the year; Davey O’Brien quarterback award; Big 12 offensive player of the year by coaches and Associated Press.

* NCAA record: Most career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (58).

* Milestones: 13th player in NCAA history to rush and pass for 1,000 yards in a season (1,115 rushing, 1,510 passing); one of three quarterbacks in Division I-A history to rush for 3,000 and pass for 4,000 in a career.

* School records: Longest run in Cornhusker history (95 yards) at Missouri, Sept. 29, 2001; most total yards in a game (360) at Colorado, Nov. 22; career quarterback rushing yards (3,434); career touchdowns (88); career total offense (7,915 yards).

* Quirky stat: Tied NCAA record by scoring a touchdown by running, passing and catching in same game (vs. California, 1999).

* Heisman moment: Caught 63-yard touchdown pass on trick play to secure a 20-10 win against Oklahoma.

* Best career game rushing: 191 yards vs. Missouri, 2001.

* Best career game passing: 204 yards vs. Texas, 1999.

* Little-known fact: Has a 2-year-old daughter with fiance Nikki.