The year was 1973. An unpopular, controversial president was leading the country, America was fighting an unpopular war across the world, Joe Paterno was the head coach of Penn State, and a running back with 22 on his uniform was leading Penn State to an undefeated season.
35 years later, some things never change. John Cappelletti was the prized running who won the Heisman Trophy in 1973, and Evan Royster is the current back who is trying to replicate his success in 2008.
Through just six games this season, Royster is off to a phenomenal start. Compiling 659 yards and 8 touchdowns, Evan Royster is leading the team to a perfect 6-0 record and has catapulted the Nittany Lions to the upper echelon of college football.
Only a sophomore, Royster is already garnering comparisons to the great Cappelletti around Happy Valley. However, he has failed to garner significant attention on the national stage. Is Royster a serious threat to bring the Heisman back to State College? Here are my Top Ten Midseason Heisman Trophy Candidates:
Chase Daniel, Quarterback, Missouri
He's the best offensive player on the best offense in the country, so it is tough not to put Daniel atop this list. He has posted gaudy numbers so far with 15 touchdowns, just 1 interception, and an eye-popping 76.3 completion percentage. If he can continue his dominance in the coming weeks against Texas and Oklahoma State, he could clinch this award early.
Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Texas
Perhaps the most improved player in the past four seasons, McCoy has grown into an outstanding dual-threat quarterback for the Texas Longhorns. Pairing 317 yards and four touchdowns on the ground with an astounding 79.2 completion percentage is simply unheard of.
Despite losing a lot of talent this past off-season to the NFL Draft, McCoy still has his Longhorns ranked fifth in the country. He has a chance to make a statement this week, both for his team and his Heisman chances, when Texas travels to Oklahoma to take on the top-ranked Sooners.
If McCoy continues to shine on the road and defeat the top-ranked team in the country, expect him to rise to the top of this list.
Sam Bradford, Quarterback, Oklahoma
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about 1 month ago
Good article. I don't think Royster wins it this year, but next year he will be in the Top 3 and his senior year he will definitely win it if he doesn't his junior year. I'm not sure he would stay his senior year, as NFL scouts have said that Royster will be a first round pick when he goes pro, and he's only a sophomore. He will continue to improve and could even be the first overall pick in the draft. Right now, I don't think Royster or any other PSU player is concentrating on the Heisman, they are NC hungry after 23 years of waiting.
about 1 month ago
If he didn't have to compete for carries with Stephon Green for the rest of his career than I would definitely agree that Royster would win one. Of course Reggie Bush did split carries with Lendale White during his heisman year so who knows? I sure hope he does though because I'm still bitter about LJ not winning it in 2002 when he had 2000+ yards and won practically every other award besides the Heisman. Either way though, I'm hearing that a lot of scouts think that Royster will be a top 10 NFL draft pick whenever he decides to go.
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