First of all, I would like to apologize for not posting on Friday or Monday. It's been a hectic and stressful few days--I'll just leave it at that.
Anyway, this year's Heisman winner is anybody's guess. In my opinion, there are about ten or twelve guys who are capable of winning. This is a list of the upper tier of contenders as I see them.
5. Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri
Maclin is the best all-purpose player in the country, and he only has one season under his belt.
Last season, he amassed 2,776 all-purpose yards, which set a freshman record and ranks fifth in NCAA history. He is a threat to score every time he touches the ball--there are other players who may be faster, but Maclin's football speed is virtually unmatched.
Expect another incredible year from Maclin, as he becomes more knowledgeable and experienced.
4. Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia
Not many people play harder than this guy, who routinely runs back to the huddle just as quickly as he runs with the football.
Moreno burst onto the scene as a freshman last season with over 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns. He is good enough to win the Heisman, but I'm not convinced that Mark Richt will allow him to get enough touches to match his stats from a season ago.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Plus, Georgia's brutal schedule could prove to be a mental nightmare for this youngster. Still, watch out for him to set the tone for the Georgia offense in a big way.
3. Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech
Crabtree shattered all freshman receiving records last season, and thrust his name into this year's Heisman conversation with his consistency, size, and speed.
His numbers (134 receptions, 1,962 yards, and 22 touchdowns) were far and away the best in college football, which is partially due to playing in Mike Leach's offense. Still, this guy has through-the-roof potential and the perfect offense to put up video game-esque stats once again.
Look for Crabtree's stock to rise after big games early in the conference schedule.
2. Chase Daniel, QB Missouri
4,306 passing yards and 33 touchdowns will get anybody a ton of exposure. For Chase Daniel, the only senior on my list, it may take a trip to a BCS bowl game to get Heisman voters to notice him this year.
This guy's arm is golden--he has an absolute cannon when he unleashes the deep ball, and his touch is remarkable on slants and outs. Plus, with weapons like Maclin at receiver, Daniel should be able to pile up stats once again.
His Heisman stock will be directly linked to Missouri's team performance this season, which I think will be pretty good.
1. Tim Tebow, QB Florida
Forget his Heisman from a year ago. Forget the fact that Emmanuel Moody now gives Florida a threat at tailback. My theory on greatness is that it shows itself, no matter what the circumstances may be.
Tebow's sophomore season has been well-documented--4,181 yards of total offense and 55 total touchdowns (23 rushing, 32 passing). While his stats may not be quite as gaudy after the addition of Moody to the backfield, he will still get enough media attention to heighten his achievements.
I think Tim Tebow's greatness will show itself once again, and I predict that he will win his second consecutive Heisman Trophy.
Once again, thanks for reading! Tomorrow, I'm thinking of discussing five potential Heisman winners who are flying under the radar a little bit. God bless!
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3 months ago
I'm surprised you didn't include Beanie Wells in there. He's as bonafide a Heisman contender as there may be. And Tebow probably will not win it because the odds are stacked against him. Unless he breaks every passing record in the book, he won't come close to the Heisman again.
3 months ago
Having Crabtree in there is a gamble. If his QB gets hurt, his numbers get hurt. Same thing with Maclin.
I don't know how you make a list without Pat White on it.
3 months ago
I like Chase Daniel's chances, and agree with Lawrence that Wells should be in the mix. I'd say drop Maclin and add Wells. Of course there are several more that are perhaps deserving of the preseason recognition, but it will take at least four weeks to determine who are the true contenders and pretenders.
3 months ago
uhhh sure why not.
little skeptical of Maclin though. and I never like when 2 heisman candidates are on the same team on the same side of the ball. So I would rule out the candidates from Mizzou, Texas Tech and OU as far as the Big 12 is concerned. Although I guess Reggie Bush proved that you can steal it away from a more deserving candidate as long as your a media darling. Just hope that you don't have to play them in your bowl game.
3 months ago
All 5 guys are stud for sure. Can't argue with those guys. You have to have Chris Wells in there though. Good list though.
3 months ago
I think you have to include Beanie Wells of Ohio State and Pat White of West Virginia on this list. Tebow, Daniel, and Moreno are good calls though. Good read.
3 months ago
It's too wide open for everybody to make the top 5 Heisman list. The darkhorse(s) in this race could be Mark Sanchez or Stafon Johnson b/c one will need to come up big against OSU in order for USC to win.
3 months ago
I was disappointed in the inconsistency that Pat White displayed as a passer last season. Also, I considered Beanie Wells, but I didn't feel that he was even the best player on his own team last year. I felt like Todd Boeckman's ability to control the game was the difference.
But I wouldn't argue with a list that included either one of those players.
Also, I am skeptical of a team with 2 Heisman contenders. I think Mizzou is an exception since I think Daniel's numbers will improve and Maclin's key stats will come via kick and punt returns a la Charles Woodson.
from 3 months ago
Harvin may be a contender on Florida, too. He averages almost 10 yards per carry, he has put on 20 lbs of muscle and he will have an even bigger role as a receiver this year. If he is healthy, he could steal some of Tebow's votes.
Still, I think its Tebow's trophy to lose. Tebow should score at least 10 rushing TDs this season and his passing stats should improve. He could have another 4000+ yard, 50+ TD season. I don't see many people (outside of the Graham Harrell's of the world) challenging those stats.
3 months ago
Good list, but I mean at the beginning of the last season some where questioning some of Tebow's abilities, particularly his throwing and whether or not he could be more than a fullback taking direct snaps. He proved everyone wrong and won the Heisman. I don't think anyone was thinking Chase Daniels for last years Heisman, and he came in 4th in the voting I believe. So it could be somebody else we haven't really thought of yet, good list all the same William!
3 months ago
Sure this is a homer call but Beanie Wells has to be on the list and Tebow has to be considered a long shot this year. I don't think they'll let Tebow run the ball anywhere near as many times this year as last year and frankly it was his two prong scoring ability that won him the Heisman last year. You take the running TD's away from him and he is just a really good college QB, not a Heisman contender. Beanie on the other hand ran for 1600+ yards last year and did it hurt and/or injured for most of the season. Even at 90% his speed and power are awesome to watch. If he is healthy this year he could top 2000 yeards. Moreno is also one of my top contenders - he is just plain fun to watch on the field.
I'm not sure Missouri or Texas Tech have the media power to push their guys to the top of the list no matter how good they are. It really takes a professional marketing effort as well as terrific on field performance to capture the Heisman.
3 months ago
Sure this is a homer call but Beanie Wells has to be on the list and Tebow has to be considered a long shot this year. I don't think they'll let Tebow run the ball anywhere near as many times this year as last year and frankly it was his two prong scoring ability that won him the Heisman last year. You take the running TD's away from him and he is just a really good college QB, not a Heisman contender. Beanie on the other hand ran for 1600+ yards last year and did it hurt and/or injured for most of the season. Even at 90% his speed and power are awesome to watch. If he is healthy this year he could top 2000 yeards. Moreno is also one of my top contenders - he is just plain fun to watch on the field.
I'm not sure Missouri or Texas Tech have the media power to push their guys to the top of the list no matter how good they are. It really takes a professional marketing effort as well as terrific on field performance to capture the Heisman.
from 3 months ago
Doug - Tebow had so many rushing TDs in 2007 that he could still win a Heisman even if he gets only half his 2007 amount in 2008.
Who will beat him if he has 40 passing TDs and 10 rushing TDs with over 4000 total yards? Last year he won it for a 9-4 team. If the Gators are better (as they should be with a more experienced defense and a stable of running backs) and finish 10-2 or better, then Tebow will be a very legitimate contender. 50+ TDs and 4000+ yards is better than just a "really good college QB".
Also a large reason that Tebow is ahead of other QBs is because he rarely turns the ball over. He had 23 rushing TDs and 860 yards with no fumbles. He had 32 TDs and 3200+ passing yards and only 6 interceptions. 55 TDs, 6 turnovers. No one can touch those stats.
3 months ago
Only one player scored more TDs than Tebow in 2007. Paul Smith had 60 TDs, but he also had 19 interceptions. I'll take the 55/6 over 60/19.
from 3 months ago
Nick, don't get me wrong, his stats were awesome last year. My point is that I think they utilize him differently this year by not allowing him as many rushing opportunities (read injury opportunities). Florida is a much better team this year than last year and they won't have to lean on him as much. They have other great weapons to draw from so they can spread the scoring around among several players.
Ouch, that hurt to be some upbeat about Gator football.
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