Last year we gave you some of the earliest predictions for the 2008-2009 Heisman Candidates. So early that one of my predictions was no longer enrolled in his current school (Ryan Mallet - Michigan), Ryan Perriloux was given a decent chance, and one of the candidates was "USC QB", since both Mitch Mustain and Mark Sanchez were in a position to take the helm and both could have been considered at that point last year.
Well this year I held back as long as I could and managed to wait until after players declared for the NFL draft, but alas I couldn't wait any longer. Spring Ball is right around the corner and it's about time to start hyping next year's Bronze Stiff Arm Hopefuls. This year should be interesting as we will have a 2 retuning Heisman winners, as well as another of the finalists. Last year's Top three vote getters could very well be this season's Top three vote getters. I'm willing to bet that has never happened before.
So 4Real and I decided to each put a list together of 15 potential Heisman Candidates as well as 5 possible sleepers. Sleeper being either players who A) didn't play last year, B) play at small or Non-BCS schools, C) True Freshman, D) anyone else who wasn't already on anyone's radar at the end of last season.
#15 Noel Devine, RB - West Virginia
2008 Stats: 1289 Rush Yds, 185 Receiving Yds, 1537 AP Yds, 4 TDs, 99.15 Yds P/G
Why: When I wrote this column last year I had Mountaineer faithful taking time out of mourning/bad mouthing RichRod and burning couches to tell me that Devine was going to win the Heisman. According to them his name had already been etched onto the Bronze Stiff Arm. 2008 didn't turn out exactly as he, or they, planned. But Devine still has the talent that got the Mountaineer fans so amped up. His numbers are good and without Pat White being the One Man Show, Noel Devine is bound to get more carries, yards, and TDs. The Big East might be having a down year this year leaving room for WV and Devine to put up some gaudy numbers.
Why Not: 4 TDs doesn't scream Heisman. West Virginia won't finish the season in the Top Ten, and let's be honest, players on the #22 team in the country don't typically get a lot of run when it comes time to Heisman voting. It's no coincidence that the Heisman Winner has played in the National Championship Game 6 of the last 7 years.
#14 Ryan Mallett, QB - Arkansas
2008 Stats: Did Not Play
Why: I thought he had it going into 2008, and 2009 is no different. I thought he was poised to make a run in the defense heavy Big Eleven and I don't think it will be any different in the SEC. Arkansas had a down year in '08 under new coach Bobby Petrino but should be on the way up in '09. Petrino's system has been in place now over a year, and Mallett should be as familiar with it as anyone, at least on paper.
Why Not: No one knows how much rust is there, he hasn't seen game action since Lloyd Carr's last win over Florida. While the Big Eleven D is tough, the SEC D is fast. Arkansas has a lot of ground to make up in the SEC West.
#13 Zac Robinson, QB - Oklahoma State
2008 Stats: 562 Rush Yds, 3,064 Pass Yds, 8 Rush TDs, 25 Passing TDs, 10 INTs, 235 YPG Passing, 166.84 QB Rating
Why: Oklahoma State is going to get their chance to overcome Texas Tech this year as the Red Raiders lost their QB and Top WR. They would be my pick for Big XII North champs if they were in fact in that division. Zac Robinson has had a statistically successful career for the Cowboys and has thrown for over 20 TDs in each of the last 2 seasons. Dual threat to run when necessary and has his Top Receiving threat, Dez Bryant returning.
Why Not: In the same conference as Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford, and others, and frankly past numbers don't compare. Could potentially be Top 5 QB in the country but won't be Top 2 in his own Conference.
#12 Demarco Murray, RB - Oklahoma
2008 Stats: 1,002 Rush Yds, 395 Rec. Yds, 774 Ret. Yds, 2171 AP Yds, 18 TDs, 5.6 Yds Y/C
Why: The Oklahoma offense was just shy of prolific in 2008, about 1 game shy. With a Heisman Winner at QB and a pair of 1,000 yd rushers in 2009 it looks to be no different. He's a triple threat. Four of the team's five top receivers from last year (1-3, 5) have all departed which means that there will be added pressure on the run game if Bradford and his targets can't match up. Defenses will focus on Bradford and the 50 TDs he threw last year.
Why Not: There is a second 1,000 yard rusher in the Sooner backfield and if the Bradford led aerial attack isn't the same in '09 as it was in '08, expect the Big XII defenses to crack down on the Sooner backs.
#11 Todd Reesing, QB - Kansas
2008 Stats: 3,880 Passing Yds, 4,104 Total Yds, 4 Rush TDs, 32 Passing TDs, 13 INTs, 298.5 YPG Passing, 148.39 QB Rating
Why: Late in 2007 when Kansas was making a run, some people suggested Reesing could be in contention for the Heisman. His 2008 rating was almost identical and yet he wasn't mentioned in any Heisman talks. The difference was the fact that he threw for about 400 more yds in '09 he threw one less TD and six more INTs. Kansas has turned around their football program over the last few years and a lot of that falls on Reesing's shoulders. A little more accuracy in '09 and increased leadership role could have him making lists in December.
Why Not: Not Since Doug Flutie has there been a QB under 6' who won the Heisman and if Reesing is listed at 5'11" you know he can't be taller than 5'9". Like Robinson, he won't even be the best player in his conference, the Heisman will be just out of reach for his short arms, unless Kansas makes a big run.
#10 Golden Tate, WR - Notre Dame
2008 Stats: 1,080 Rec Yds, 637 Ret. Yds, 11 Total TDs, 18.62 Y/C
Why: As a sophomore Golden Tate began to make a name for himself and the Irish. Three of his biggest games came against some in some of Notre Dame's biggest games. Including a 3 TD, 177 yd performance in the Hawaii Bowl. Jimmy Claussen is starting to show flashes of what was once considered the best ND QB commit since Joe Montana and Tate is his #1 Target. Monster Y/C numbers, plus he takes the field for Kick and Punt Returns. 2,300+ All Purpose Yard Potential.
Why Not: Even as the #1 threat only barely topped the 1,000 yd mark. Notre Dame, might get extra Heisman votes when they are undeserved (Tim Brown) but Notre Dame has not yet made the triumphant return to greatness we were promised back in '05.
#9 Chris Brown, RB - Oklahoma
2008 Stats: 1,220 Rush Yds, 21 Total TDs, 5.62 Y/C
Why: Oklahoma's Top Back rushed for 1,220 last year and could easily top that this year. Much of the same reasons Demarco Murray was on the list. Not the triple threat that Murray is, but will continue to be the #1 guy in the backfield. Will get extra touches since 4/5 top receivers are gone.
Why Not: Same as Murray, splitting the load, extra defensive focus.
#8 Evan Royster, RB - Penn State
2008 Stats: 1,236 Rush Yds, 160 Rec. Yds, 12 TDs, 6.47 Y/C
Why: Look at those numbers, in the Big XII he would be a top back, in the Big Eleven where final scores like to hang out below 20, those numbers are even more impressive. a 6.47 Yards per Carry in the Big Eleven is nothing to shake a stick at. Penn State looks to come back in '09 just as strong as they did in '08. If late season letdowns can be avoided the Nittany Lions might have a shot at the National Championship and that will land squarely on Royster's shoulders.
Why Not: The Big Eleven is getting knocked down more and more in everyone's eyes and some voters might see numbers in the Big Eleven as being less significant than in other conferences. Penn State might win the Big Eleven again this year, but voters are getting sick of the Big Eleven no shows in bowl games and even a perfect season might see them on the outside looking in.
#7 Dez Bryant, WR - Oklahoma State
2008 Stats: 1,480 Rec. Yds, 405 Ret. Yds, 21 Total TDs.
Why: He's a scoring machine and Zac Robinson's (#13) Top Receiving Threat. Another triple threat guy who is capable of peaking over 22-2300 yards of all purpose yardage.
Why Not: Just like Robinson he's going to eventually get over looked by another receiver, running back, or quarterback in the Big XII. The Heisman voters look at numbers, and the Big XII is so inflated that even a 1,500 yd/23 TD season will most likely get over looked unless the Cowboys are in the National Championship.
#6 Jacquizz Rodgers, RB - Oregon State
2008 Stats: 1,253 Rush yds, 247 Rec. yds, 12 Total TDs, 113.91 Y/G
Why: Everyone loves the little guy and, listed at, 5'7" it doesn't get much littler. If Oregon State is still in the national spotlight come December that means that another upset over USC is probable. Voters will take into account Rodgers' 186 yd game against USC in '08 even if it is the '09 award because it was that remarkable. His adjusted Y/G (not including his early exit from the Arizona game) puts him at over 123 Y/G. AS A TRUE FRESHMAN. It will be interesting to see how much his game improves from year 1 to year 2.
Why Not: He's on every radar in the country ever since the USC game. While he eats up yardage he has a problem converting those into long TD runs. His yards per carry is just under 5. He's effectively useless inside of the Red Zone because of his size which means he's missing out on anywhere between 7-15 TD's next season.
#5 Terrelle Pryor, QB - Ohio State
2008 Stats: 631 Rush Yds, 1,311 Passing Yds, 6 Rush Tds, 12 Passing TDs, 4 INTs, 1 Receiving TD, 145.62 QB Rating
Why: He started 2008 as a gimmick the vest would use to mix things up. He ended up unseating incumbent starter Todd Boeckman who had 2 National Championship appearances under his belt. He finished last season with 100.8 Y/G Passing. Way too low for a Heisman QB. Then again, while he appeared in all 13 games, he was splitting time in 8 games, and only the starter for 10. Those numbers will increase. Plus he's a 6'6" monster who's got wheels. Could tear apart the Big Eleven next year worse than everyone has in BCS games recently. If the Ohio State we saw in the Fiesta Bowl takes the field next year, they should be a lock for the Big Eleven Championship and in BCS contention.
Why Not: He still needs to prove he can be a pass first quarterback and that he can sit in the pocket to find the open man instead of running first. It's going to mean Ohio State has to get back to being the Ohio State of old, and not the one who lays down in big games. BCS voters are still sour on the Big Eleven.
#4 Jahvid Best, RB - California
2008 Stats: 1,580 Rush Yds, 246 Rec Yds, 2,247 AP Yds, 16 Total TDs, 131.7 Rush Y/G, 8.14 Y/C
Why: Best was by far the Top RB in the country in 2008 in my opinion (sorry Shonn) and will be coming out trying to prove something in '09. He had 4 games with over 185 Yds Rushing. Cal's QB situation is unclear, and is likely to change at least once during the season. This means that the Running Game is key to Cal's success. If Best has a good season, the Bears will have a good season. He is the heart and soul of the team, could reach 2,500+ All Purpose Yards if he stays healthy.
Why Not: The Pac-10 got a lot closer recently and teams are going to be knocking each other off until they have effectively killed any chance of having more than one BCS game. Cal isn't going to beat USC. The QB instability will give Best more carries and better numbers, but ultimately will mean too many L's on the board in Berkley.
No point in going into detail over the Top Three. There's no surprise here. This is how I had it in my book from day one last season and the same will be true for this season.
#3 Tim Tebow, QB - Florida
#2 Sam Bradford, QB - Oklahoma
#1 Colt McCoy, QB - Texas
My 5 Sleeper Picks. Chances are these guys won't be in the final tally, but they're name might be mentioned once or twice on the ESPN Heisman Watch Page, in no particular order.
Damaris Johnson, WR - Tulsa
Austin Collie, WR - BYU
MiQuale Lewis, RB - Ball St.
Shun White, RB - Navy
Dan LeFevour, QB - Central Michigan.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
2009-2010 Heisman Candidates: Top 15 PLUS Small School Sleepers
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31 comments:
Don't you think it'll be hard for Austin Collie from BYU to be mentioned as a sleeper to win the Heisman, considering he's leaving early for the NFL draft this year?
Signed, Eric, in Nashville
My aplogies, he wasn't on the original list of 46 and I thought that the deadline had passed.
Tebow should be #1. I would rather have him on my college football team than anyone else. When its all said and done, he will go down as one of the greatest college football players ever to play the game.
Why were Tim Brown's votes undeserved? He turned out to be a much better pro than most of the winners with "deserved votes".
Go look at his numbers from his Heisman Season compared to any number of other players that season. I agree, he's one of the 30% of Heisman winners to actually have a great pro season, but the Heisman award is not annually given to the best potential pro, it's given to the best player in the country that year. He had 38 receptions and 3 TDs.
Full on when it comes to Colt McCoy. He is definitely #1...and should have won it last year.
It's amazing how Tebow is suffering from the "Michael Jordan Syndrome" - Why does everyone keep trying to spread the award around? If he's the best, he's the best and he should get the award. Tebow is not only the best player in the country, he's one of the greatest ever.
Bradford/McCoy = Charles Barkley.
....... and it's a shame. Wake up people.
Yea Rocket Ismail really benefited from those extra undeserved votes as well, finishing 2nd despite being the most dominant weapon in college football that decade.
Rocket had a great 1990, but a) Detmer set over 40 NCAA records that season b) it was decided by just over 300 points, one of the closest Heisman finishes in history and c) as I pointed out last year, Quarterbacks win more Heisman's than all other positions combined. Not saying it's fair but it's the way it goes.
One of your top three will be a lock. It will be almost impossible for any of the others to break into that threesome.
The 2010 season will be really interesting with those three having moved on to the NFL.
I agree whole heartedly. I don't see how anyone can surpass those three. But there's always a chance. No one expected Tebow before the 2007 season.
What, no love for Juice Williams as a sleeper? He does have Arelious Benn to throw to all day. Plus Pryor is a pansy, and Ohio State is full of fags
Better remove Shun White from the sleeper list. He was a senior last year and is currently signed as a free agent with the Pats (though due to service obligation probably won't see any time with the team for a few years).
is there a big eleven conference? i keep seeing in the descriptions " the big eleven " isn't it the big ten?
tebow is a beast, one of the top college players ever!
mccoy is a real nice player. good arm, accuracy, heart, and feet
but they will be tony rice, chris weinke, and gino torretta.
while sam bradford will succeed at the next level.
who can say who will win this year?
i'll go with tebow or bradford.
Where the hell is CJ Spiller on this list? Thats a complete joke if you have him below Ryan Mallett?? Are you kidding? Probably the most dynamic back in the country and wont be sharing time in the backfield this year.
Im curious as to where jevan snead is on this list.. finishing the last 6 games of the season with 16 tds against 3 int. and also a cotton bowl victory against one of the highest scoring teams in the nation. Not to mention a rating of 145.5 at the end of the season and last but not least the only quarterback in the nation to defeat everyones beloved Tim Tebow and the National Champion Florida Gators. I think he belongs here. Hotty Toddy Go Rebels
no mention of Eric Berry hmm.. i guess you will have to find out by yourself
ERIC BERRY....hes deserves it more than the last DB who won it....Charles Woodson over Peyton Manning? really?
You idiot!!!!! How can you leave out Rolando McClain and Mark Ingram??????!!!!!!
I believe you forgot Dion Lewis.
Toby Gerhart deserves the Heisman Award more than any other athlete, he is even supremely more rugged than Mark Ingram who probably deserves the second spot behind Toby. Why you ask? well think about it. Tim Tebow is not doing good enough statistic wise compared to many others; he does not deserve the award. Colt McCoy should have done a lot better than what he has really accomplished this year, and that is not good enough statistic wise for his strength of schedule. If anything Jordan Shipley deserves to be a candidate, not Colt. Case Keenum has superstar stats, he has a semi decent schedule, but his team has lost a few games that they should not have; that will be the demise of his true shot for the award. CJ Spiller, not enough stats. Tony Pike could be a contender, but his injuries ruined his true shot at the award. Kellen Moore, is having a superstar year, but his strength of schedule is what destroys it for him. Honestly there is not one person deserving of the award compared to Toby Gerhart. Gerhart should be supported by everyone who is a football fan. This kid is carrying that Stanford program right now, he is a workhorse who represents his position very well.He is most deserving. I wish him the best of luck, I hope everyone else does as well.
Well, I think CJ Spillar from Clemson should be considered. What else could he do to show you he is the complete package.
where the hell is sj motha fuckin spiller...
Toby Gerhart might deserves a pat on the back at most! Mark Ingram is way better and look at the teams Ingram rushed against compared to Gerhart. Enough said!!!
i really want golden tate to win:)
What about Ndamakong Suh (I misspelled his first name, I know) from Nebraska? Possibly the GREATEST defensive lineman EVER... And he won't even come close to winning because he is not a QB, RB, or WR... Even though he sometimes lines up as a fullback....
All's I got is one word. SUUUUUUH
Mark Ingram Wins Heisman Trophy 2009 Video:
http://www.monkeydollars.net/2009/12/who-won-heisman-2009-trophy-winner.html
What about Freshman sensation runningback from Virginia Tech- Ryan Williams? He had over 1500yards rushing and 20 touchdowns with one bowl game remaining. He literally carried the team on his back this season and should be recognized. If the Hokies would have beaten Ga Tech this season, they would have been in the running for the national championship game, and Ryan Williams would have been in the Heisman race this season.
So, the guy that won it, running back, Alabama's Mark Ingram wasn't even mentioned on your sleeler list. Hang it up dude douche.
So you made 20 picks including sleepers, and you ended up only had 2 of the top 9 vote getters included. Nice work kid.
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