Heisman hopeful isn't a common phrase at Oregon, but it is being used in connection with senior quarterback Joey Harrington.

He is called "The General" for the way he commands the huddle, especially in close games. The 6-4, 220-pounder is 14-2 as a starter, 16-2 when playing a significant portion of the game.

"I've been fortunate to coach guys like Bill Musgrave, Danny O'Neil, Tony Graziani, Jason Maas and Akili Smith, and certainly Joey is as intelligent a quarterback as any we have had," coach Mike Bellotti said.

Harrington's father, John, also played quarterback for the Ducks.

But here's something dad never had: A six-story poster of himself on a building in Manhattan as part of a $250,000 Heisman campaign by the university.

"This might be the most extensive campaign we have ever embarked upon," Bellotti said. "But Joey is the type of player who deserves that kind of hype."

How the Oregon native handles that hyperbole will have an impact on the field.

"It's not going to change how I prepare for the season and it won't change how I'll play," Harrington said.

"I'll talk to who they say, smile when they say smile. I'm going to enjoy the attention it brings to the university. It says a lot about the team and how far the program has come."

Harrington has been a leader since arriving at Oregon, winning an academic award and being selected second-team All-Pac-10 last year. He is expected to be a first-teamer this season ... and contend for All-American honors.

He also supports other Oregon athletic events, often in outlandish wigs.

"I don't know how to describe myself," Harrington said.

"I'm a goof, a dork, but at the same time I'm very focused, very determined, organized and structured. I kind of hit both ends of the spectrum."

"He is an enigma," Bellotti said.

"I've seen Joey at the basketball games, and you would describe him as a goof. He's a typical college kid who is comfortable making fun of himself. He's also a gifted musician and he has an internal drive and emotional intensity that is noticeable on the field."

And with Oregon poised for another big season, Harrington will be impossible to ignore.

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