It’s no easy task handicapping the Heisman trophy winners. In 2007, Tebow was a first year starting sophomore who wasn’t viewed as a legit passer to start the year, and he went on to win the award.
With a stacked returning group, Tebow was the clear cut favorite to win the award in 2008. But after a miraculous 50 touchdown season, Sam Bradford won one of the closest Heisman voting years in recent fan memory.
And in 2009, with the three top returning vote-getters all returning for what would be their final season as college football greats, a running back from a school without a Heisman trophy winner in Mark Ingram won it.
Some trends? The last three winners were all sophomores, and all played in a national championship at some point in their college careers. The 2009 winner is back, but a host of quarterbacks and running backs will attempt to immortalize there name.
1. Jake Locker, QB, Washington
-Coach Sarkesian has developed great QBs before, and Locker has talent around him.
2. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
-The reigning champ, he’s on the best team and is the feature player in the offense.
3. Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
-Was tremendous in year one with Coach Petrino, his winning percentage will mean a lot.
4. Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
-The best talent on a BCS team, a sophomore has won the award three straight years.
5. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
-There’s has to be a non-BCS guy each season competing, and he’ll have the record and stats.
6. Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
-A lot is depended upon the play of Ponder this season, but he has the skill set to thrive.
7. Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State
-The Buckeyes likely will be at the top of the Big Ten, and he’s a nationally known talent.
8. Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
-Another player who will help his team explode, he’s Chase Daniel with a better arm.
9. Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia
-Small skat backs rarely get considered, but for my Big East favorite, he’ll mean a lot.
10. Zach Collaros, QB, Cincinnati
-He surprised last season, and if the Bearcats get to the BCS again, he’ll get some votes.
11. Matt Barkley, QB, USC
-The past eight seasons, a USC quarterback has made every pre-season Heisman lists.
12. Jacory Harris, QB, Miami (FL)
-Smart, athletic, and still developing, Harris could explode with the talent at the U in ’10.
13. Case Keenum, QB, Houston
-He won’t be strongly considered unless the Cougars get BCS consideration.
14. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
-Some have him rated high, but he won’t have enough wins or stats.
15. Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
–Any BCS team will have a shot for a Heisman rep, and Dalton a productive veteran.
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