Heisman Trophy winners list: Manti Te'o is trying to make history on Saturday night

On Saturday night, not only will Manti Te'o try and make history by becoming the first primarily defensive player to take home the Heisman Trophy, but he is also looking to join an elite group of Notre Dame alums to win the award as well.

If Te'o were to win Saturday night, he would be the eighth player in the school's history to take home the Heisman and the first since Tim Brown in 1987. The others were Angelo Bertelli (1943), Johnny Lujack (1947), Leon Hart (1949), John Lattner (1953), Paul Hornung (1956), John Huarte (1964).

Te'o finished the 2012 season with seven interceptions (the second most in college football) to go along with 103 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. If he were to win the award, he would be the first ever player who strictly plays defense to take home the Heisman. Michigan defensive back Charles Woodson was the recipient in 1997, but he also played on offense and as a return man that season as well.

Te'o will be joined at Saturday night's ceremony by two other finalists: Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel and Collin Klein of Kansas State.

Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin won last year's award.

Here's the complete list of winners: