Te'o wants Heisman for Hawaii

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Heisman Trophy finalist Manti Te'o, a linebacker from Notre Dame, speaks to his fellow nominees at a news conference prior to the announcement of the trophy winner today in New York.

NEW YORK » Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o said he wants to bring the Heisman Trophy back "to the people I represent in Hawaii."

Prior to tonight's Heisman Trophy award presentation on ESPN, Te'o said he didn't just see his presence as a Heisman finalist as  a victory.

"Obviously, I want to win. I didn't want to come here to get second (place). I want to win," Te'o told reporters at a pre-Heisman get together.

The presentation airs at 3 p.m. Hawaii time with the trophy announcement scheduled about 3:50 p.m.

"I want to win because I want that honor and that attention not only for me and my family. I'm not just me, I represent a whole bunch of people. So for me to win this award it would bring a lot of honor and attention and love to the people that I represent and that's my only thing."

Te‘o said "I'm a representative of that state (Hawaii) and I always will be. Everything I try to do I try to make them proud."

Te‘o said he had considered wearing a traditional Samoan i‘e to the Heisman ceremony but decided after talking to officials that he'd stick with the formal wear.

He was attired in a dark pin-stripe suit and wearing lei "from my auntie Bonny and uncle Keith (Amemiya). You can get it here (in New York)."