Jackson Favorite for Heisman Trophy

NEW YORK — Bo Jackson of Auburn heads a list of candidates for the Heisman Trophy, which will be awarded today by the Downtown Athletic Club.

Jackson, a senior tailback, had 1,786 yards in 278 carries (6.7 average) and 17 touchdowns.

Other top candidates for the award given annually to the nation’s top college football player include Iowa quarterback Chuck Long and Michigan State tailback Lorenzo White, the nation’s leading rusher.

Long completed 231 of 351 passes for 2,978 yards and 26 touchdowns and led the third-ranked Hawkeyes to the Big Ten title and into the Rose Bowl. White, a sophomore, gained 1,908 yards in 386 carries (4.9 average).

Jackson, Long, White, Brigham Young quarterback Robbie Bosco and Miami quarterback Vinny Testaverde have been invited to the ceremony. Bosco, however, will be in Honolulu for his team’s game against Hawaii.

The proceedings will be televised nationally (Channel 4 at 2 p.m. PST). The telecast will include a series of taped interviews with Heisman winners and clips of them in action.