Local athlete called ‘best college player in land’
By: Larry Fitzgerald
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Originally posted 11/5/2003

Boston, MA — Last Saturday in Boston, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. helped his team, the University of Pittsburgh, defeat Boston College 24-13. The Victory improved No. 23 Pittsburgh’s record to 6-2 overall and 3-0 in the Big East Conference.
Fitzgerald set two NCAA scoring records when he grabbed a 35-yard fourth quarter touchdown pass to seal the win over Boston College Saturday. He had seven receptions for 156 yards and the record-setting touchdown. It was the 14th consecutive game in which Fitzgerald has had at least one touchdown reception, breaking the mark he had shared with Charles Rodgers of Michigan State.
Fitzgerald leads the nation in four statistical categories: receiving yards (147.8), total receiving yards (1,174), scoring (12.9 points per game), and receiving touchdowns (16). He also tied for most overall touchdowns scored (including running backs) with 16.
It was Fitzgerald’s 28th touchdown reception in his first two seasons, which is also an NCAA record. His outstanding performance puts him in contention for college football’s highest honor: the Heisman Trophy.
ABC’s Brent Musberger said, “Mark it down, folks. I think this young man should be a Heisman Trophy candidate. I haven’t seen a performance to rival this in a long time.”
“The guy who has separated himself without any doubt, the guy who is the best player in the country, is Larry Fitzgerald of Pittsburgh,” said Kirk Herbsteit of ESPN.
Boston Globe sportswriter Dan Shaughnessy, in a November 2 column, said Fitzgerald “is by all accounts the best player who’ll come through Chestnut Hill this year, a slam-dunk future NFL star... the best college football player in the land.”
Tony Dorsett, 1976 Heisman Trophy winner and Pro and College Football Hall of Famer, said, “This young man is legit, let me tell you, he is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. His concentration, his focus, and his ability to adjust to the football...it’s like, when the ball is in the air, it belongs to him.”
Notre Dame Head Coach Tyrone Willingham said, “This guy is really unbelievable. He’s doing some great things. He’s triple covered, and it’s like he’s the only guy there because he comes away with it being triple covered. He’s made so many great catches, it’s like, which catch are you talking about?”
ABC College Football studio host Craig James added, “I’m a voter for the Heisman. Right now I’d have to say that guy [Fitzgerald] is at the top of the list. Who else in America have we seen who has more athleticism than that guy right there?”