Handicapping the 2017 Heisman Race
Two of the top 3 Heisman vote getters from 2016 are back including the winner Lamar "Action" Jackson. But like last year Jackson came from out of nowhere to win the school's first ever Heisman Trophy for Louisville so don't take this list as the end all, be all.
Here is a look at the preseason candidates I feel have the best chance of hoisting the hardware in New York City.
THE FAVORITES
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville: A playmaker with his arms and legs the reigning Heisman winner will have his work cut out for him this season as every opponent's objective will be to contain him. He took an insane amount of sacks last year: 46. Needs to cut it in half if he hopes to even walk to NYC.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma: Wake n Bake has back-to-back NYC invites in his back pocket as a Heisman finalist. If he wants to win one this season he has to beat Ohio State in Columbus.
Sam Darnold, QB, USC: Darnold seems to have the early momentum going for him in terms of preseason Heisman hype. Not a starter at the beginning of the 2016 season, he led USC to 9 straight wins to close out the year. If he puts up the numbers he did or exceeds them he's a lock for an invite.
JT Barrett, QB, Ohio State: It was a rocky up and down season for Barrett last year despite getting the Buckeyes to the College Football playoffs. His QBR continues to decline as he gets older which is alarming.
Jake Browning, QB, Washington: After having shoulder surgery it appears the Pac-12 Offensive player of the year is ready to roll and get the Huskies back to the playoffs. After finishing 6th last year in Heisman voting his main competition will be Darnold for West coast votes.
FOUR MORE
Deondre Francois, QB, FSU: Francois will get plenty of chances to make a Heisman push starting with week 1 in Atlanta vs Alabama.
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State: The Big Ten offensive player of the year appears to be the best returning back in the nation. If Barkley puts up another 2000 plus all-purpose yards and has Penn State in National Title consideration he should "hurdle" to get an invite.
Jalen Hurts, QB, Alabama: The SEC offensive player of the year as only a true freshman Hurts will need to improve his passing efficiency as teams will continue to stack the box in order to stop the run.
Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State: The rising senior had a spectacular 28 TD-to-4 INT ratio last year. Perhaps one of the more underrated players in the nation, if Rudolph can get the Cowboys a Big 12 Championship he will be a contender for the Heisman.
BACK FROM INJURY
Seth Rosen, QB, UCLA: Coming off shoulder surgery the Rosen One will need to live up to his high school hype and beat the likes of crosstown rival USC in order to crack consideration.
Derwin James, S, FSU: James is coming off a meniscus tear in his left knee that caused him to redshirt 2016 season. While he is a safety he is also a special enough athlete to garner recognition like Jabrill Peppers did last year for Michigan.
Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama: Coming off a broken leg in the National Title game vs Clemson no Heisman list would be complete without at least one Bama running back on it. Scarbrough will get plenty of chances to make a statement like Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry did starting in week 1 vs FSU.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT
QUARTERBACKS: Trace McSorley (Penn State), Luke Falk (Washington State), Nick Fitzgerald (Mississippi State), Quinton Flowers (South Florida), Josh Allen (Wyoming)
RUNNING BACKS: Royce Freeman (Oregon), Nick Chubb (UGA), Josh Adams (Notre Dame), Derrius Guice (LSU), Kamryn Pettway (Auburn)
WIDE RECEIVERS: James Washington (Oklahoma State), Calvin Ridley (Alabama), Equanimeous St. Brown (Notre Dame), Courtland Sutton (SMU)
THE MULTIPURPOSE CANDIDATES
Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M: Coming off nearly a 1000 yard season receiving Kirk also had 3 kick returns for TDs last season. He's one of the most dynamic players in the nation and will be feared by all special teams coordinators.
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS
Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn: The Baylor transfer is already getting serious Heisman dark horse consideration talk down in Auburn because of his dual-threat capabilities. If Stidham can lead Auburn to a SEC Championship game you better believe he can also make it to NYC for a Heisman invite.
Brandon Wimbush, QB, Notre Dame: The redshirt sophomore is the unquestioned leader of the ND offense now with Deshone Kizer in the NFL. Wimbush has the same build and leadership skills of Brady Quinn who was a two-time finalist and also has plenty of offensive weapons around him to lead a potent Fighting Irish attack this fall.
Kyle Allen, QB, Houston: The Texas A&M transfer put up some impressive numbers in the SEC before suffering a AC sprain in his shoulder. At Houston he will be given the chance to run Major Applewhite's offense that should put up points and contend for a New Year's six bowl.
DEFENSIVE LONGSHOTS
Ed Oliver, DT, Houston: Defensive players have basically next to none shot at winning the Heisman but I still gotta put Oliver on this list because he's that special. As a true freshman last year he started all 12 games and despite the constant double teams he managed to sack the QB five times.
Arden Key, DE, LSU: Key is one of the top underclassmen's in Mel Kiper's 2018 NFL Draft position rankings. Coming off a 12 sack season the rising junior will be a force to be reckoned with all year vs the Bayou Bengals.
Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson: Still just considered a freshman Lawrence is a future #1 overall draft pick who is so great it would be impossible for me to keep him off this list. While playing nine games as a true freshman Lawrence racked up 7 sacks, two fumble recoveries, two block kicks and a team-leading 20 QB pressures. It would not be shocking to see Lawrence get double digit sack numbers this season.
