Reggie Bush Runs Away with Heisman Honor

NEW YORK - University of Southern California running back Reggie Bush claimed American college football's most prestigious individual honor on Saturday when he was awarded the Heisman Trophy.

Bush's victory was never really in doubt, the Trojans tailback earning 784 first place votes to easily out-poll a pair of quarterbacks, Texas junior Vince Young with 79 and his USC team mate and last year's Heisman winner Matt Leinart with 18.

The 20-year-old becomes the 41st ball carrier to win the Heisman, ending a string of five consecutive years that saw quarterbacks walk away with the honor.

A powerful runner with acrobatic flair and blinding acceleration, Bush put up dazzling numbers in helping USC to a perfect 12-0 season.

The team have earned an appearance in the Rose Bowl where the topped-ranked Trojans will face Young and the second-ranked Longhorns as USC attempt to win an unprecedented third consecutive national championship.

"It is truly an honor to be elected into this fraternity of Heisman winners," said Bush, fighting back tears as he thanked his mother and father as a ceremony in New York.

"To Matt (Leinart), your decision to come back this year has changed my life."

The 6ft, 200-pound Bush rushed for 1,658 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, averaging a staggering 8.87 yards per carry and seemed to be at his best in games where is team needed him most.

Bush's victory denied Leinart the chance to join Ohio State running back Archie Griffin as the only players to win the Heisman twice.

Despite having already won a pair of national titles and the Heisman, Leinart spurned the NFL and millions of dollars to return to USC for a fifth year.