It is never too early to start talking about the Heisman. I decided to look at some early clear cut favorites heading into the season.
1. Jr RB Mark Ingram (Alabama) - RB Archie Griffin was the only player in the history of the Heisman to win it in back-to-back seasons. I highly doubt that Ingram will win again. He put up some terrific numbers during his sophomore campaign, and Alabama will be in the hunt for a National Championship. I think that the talented So RB Trent Richardson, who emerged during last year’s BCS Championship Game, will get a few more carries which won’t help Ingram’s cause.
2. Jr QB Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State) – Pryor was a prized recruit coming out of high school who chose Ohio State over a number of other top schools. He has often been criticized for not living to expectations so far. But his time is now. He is one of the top dual threats in the nation. I saw a different Terrelle Pryor at the end of the season. He will use that momentum and carry into this season. Ohio State should win a lot of games and compete for a National Championship as well which will only help Pryor’s cause. He is my early favorite to win the Heisman this year.
3. Jr QB Ryan Mallett (Arkansas) - He threw for 30 TD’s and only 7 INT’s during his first season as the starting QB at Arkansas. He should put up even bigger numbers during his junior campaign. He needs to play better in the big games if he is going to be one of the favorites for the Heisman.
4. Sr QB Case Keenum (Houston) – Keenum will put up huge numbers again. If he played at Florida or Ohio State, he would be the clear cut favorite for the Heisman right now. He won’t win it even if he throws for 60 TD’s this upcoming season.
5. Sr QB Jake Locker (Washington) – I have stated that I expect Locker to take another step forward in his development. If he stays healthy, Locker will put up the numbers and become even more consistent this year. But Washington will fall short in the win column and therefore I don’t see Locker as a top three contender for this trophy.
6. Jr QB Kellen Moore (Boise State) – He is accurate, has a good grasp of the offense and he has the weapons around him to match the passing numbers that he put up last year. Just like Keenum, voters will consider the high profile players that play in the big conferences before they look at Moore.
7. So RB Dion Lewis (Pittsburgh) – This small back was terrific during his freshman season and was a big reason behind Pittsburgh’s success last year. He gained 1,799 rushing yards and scored 17 TD’s on the ground. He looked even better in the second half of the season when most backs tend to wear down.
8. Sr QB Jerrod Johnson (Texas A&M) – He is my darkhorse for the Heisman Trophy for this upcoming season. He threw for 30 TD’s last year. He has the arm, the size and he has become a more accurate passer. I expect the Aggies to win a few more games and for Johnson to emerge as a legitimate Heisman contender.
I could have put a few more names on this list, but I decided to stick with these 8 guys. Please post your comments.