Mangino actively campaigning Reesing for Heisman, spot in upcoming hobbit movie

LAWRENCE – University of Kansas football coach Mark Mangino spent 20 minutes Wednesday extolling the play of his quarterback, Todd Reesing, in hopes that it will help Reesing in his quest for the Heisman Trophy. Mangino then spent 15 minutes with a direct plea to Peter Jackson to cast the pint-sized Jayhawk in the upcoming movie, The Hobbit.

The extended discussion was out of character for Mangino, who rarely campaigns for individual awards for his players. But on Wednesday, the Kansas coach said Reesing is a special player and a tiny person, and he deserves acclaim for both.

“You name me one quarterback who makes as many plays at Todd Reesing, just one. You can’t do it. The kid is a playmaker,” said Mangino during his teleconference with Big 12 reporters. “Also, look at his size. He’d make the perfect hobbit. And his feet - those little, hairy, disgusting feet - you name me one other person in America who have perfect hobbit feet. You can’t do it. The kid is a hobbit. He’s a playmaking hobbit.”

Reesing has been the driving force behind KU’s recent success in his three years as quarterback of the Jayhawks. He’s two bowl games, including the 2008 BCS Orange Bowl, and has set a multitude of quarterback records at Kansas. So far this season, he’s completed 69 percent of his passes for 1,579 yards and 13 touchdowns with just three interceptions. He’s on pace for his third straight season of at least 3,400 yards passing and 30 touchdowns.

Plus, listed at 5-foot-11, with a good chance he’s actually smaller than that, Reesing also appears to be an excellent candidate for a leading role in The Hobbit, a prequel to the massively successful Lord of the Rings trilogy.

“I realize there are some other great candidates for the Hobbit movie, because Hollywood is full if tiny actors. Kiefer Sutherland, for example, would make a great old hobbit, because that guy is like 5-foot-2 with shoes on. But Todd is the perfect size, and I can’t think of a more worthy hobbit,” said Mangino. “And, you know, he even dances like a hobbit.”

When reached for comment about Reesing’s chances at earning a spot in the movie, Jackson, a huge college football fan, had not yet seen Reesing play. But after watching a few clips on YouTube, the Academy Award winning director wouldn’t rule out offering the Kansas senior a part.

“It wouldn’t be unprecedented. Sean Austin, who played Rudy, was a great Hobbit, and he’s bigger than this guy (Reesing),” said Jackson. “And if his feet are as disgusting and hobbit-like as you say, I guess it’d be nice to save some money on the prosthetics and makeup.

“But there’s no way he’s winning the Heisman. He’s maybe the third best quarterback in his own league, let alone the whole NCAA. I’d say he has a better chance of starring in The Hobbit than he does of getting an invite to New York.”