HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — Despite a record-setting year for Colorado native Christian McCaffrey, the Stanford running back fell just short of winning the Heisman trophy on Saturday night.

Valor Christian High School held a special Heisman watch party for McCaffrey, who graduated from the school two years ago.

“It’s kind of a surreal feeling that somebody that I played with is up for this really prestigious award,” said Dillon Reinkensmeyer, a senior. “I’m just so happy for him.”

But that doesn’t mean Reinkensmeyer didn’t see this coming.

“First time I ever walked into Valor and saw him practice I was like, he’s different, he’s special,” he said.

McCaffrey had a special season, breaking Barry Sanders’ NCAA record for all-purpose yards.

“Looking at the stats, Christian McCaffrey should win this thing,” said Brian Bonn, who taught McCaffrey at Valor Christian and also shot many of his high school highlights for Valor Sports Network. “I’ve never seen an athlete like Christian McCaffrey.”

But despite his clear athletic ability, everyone said his best quality wasn’t on display on the field.

“He is so humble you wouldn’t believe it,” Reinkensmeyer​ said.

Bonn offered some evidence of that humility. Before the Heisman ceremony, Bonn texted McCaffrey a photo of the Heisman posters they printed to decorate the watch party at Valor Christian.

In response, McCaffrey wrote, “Haha, what if I lose though” and he later added, “Dang. I hope I don’t let them down man. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. Means the world to me(sic).”

Bonn laughed when he showed the messages.

“It’s like, ‘Christian, it’s not about winning this thing. It’s just about us loving you,'” he said.

McCaffrey fell a few hundred votes short of the Heisman, losing to Derrick Henry of Alabama. But everyone at Valor agreed the sophomore’s humility and talent will continue to take him and his home state far.

“Christian just made Colorado a better place,” Bonn said. “Christian’s coming back and he’s going to come back with even more fire than you saw this year.”​

Henry tallied 1,832 points to beat two other finalists, McCaffrey (1,539 points) and Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson (1,165).

“Christian and Deshaun, keep at it. God is behind y’all,” he said after accepting the trophy. “I’m sure I’ll see y’all again here next year.”

A total of 929 votes were cast in the balloting. Most of the ballots are cast by media members (870), while 58 previous Heisman winners also voted. The public weighs in collectively as one vote.