What De'Anthony Thomas Must Do to Win the Heisman in 2012

There is no rule that says a running back or quarterback must win the Heisman Trophy every year.

There isn't even anything official that says the winner can't be a defensive player.

However, these stats from Steve Greenberg of Sporting News cannot be denied, and make it clear that my Heisman choice—John Boyett for Heisman!—has a decidedly uphill battle.

Greenberg says that from 1972 to 1983, 12 consecutive running backs won the trophy. It gets worse: starting in 2000, 10 of the 12 winners have been quarterbacks.

Even a contrarian like me can see the writing on the wall: Boyett is a long shot.

But all is not lost, for Oregon has a horse in the race—rusher, receiver, returner De'Anthony Thomas (DAT).

How can DAT win it? Here's the formula.

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Do Well in Big Games

There are three games that DAT should circle right now on his calendar. And, he should get to bed early the night before each one.

First, as any sprinter knows, it's good to get out of the blocks quickly. DAT needs to have a great first game against Arkansas State in the Ducks' opener on Sept. 1. I would suggest one touchdown rushing, one receiving and perhaps even one returning. That would set a nice pace for the competition, don't you think?

Second, you do have Nov. 3 already circled on your calendar, right, DAT? If surfer dude is having a great season and hasn't thrown a crucial interception that was replayed during ESPN's 24-7 news cycle, and he runs and throws circles around the Ducks, you're toast.

If DAT is still in it by Nov. 17, it's important that he outplay Stepfan Taylor in the Stanford game. If both the Ducks and the Cardinal are undefeated, this will surely be a College GameDay game, with hype up the wazoo. You don't want Herbstreit raving about Taylor instead of Thomas.

Touchdowns

Touchdowns are a good thing. Heisman voters, in particular, really like them.

DAT scored an astonishing 18 TDs in his freshman year. I know this sounds crazy, but it's important that he improve on that number this season. Even 19 would help his cause, but 20+ would be insurance.

Think of it as 1.6 touchdowns per game and it doesn't sound quite so intimidating. If I were him, I'd try to load up early in the season before the conference games begin in earnest.

Average Rushing Yards Per Carry

DAT completely aced this category in 2011. His average per carry over 14 games was 10.8 yards.

Much of that was because the Ducks had the luxury of using Thomas sparingly, with LaMichael James carrying the load.

That will not be the case in 2012. Thomas' number will be called more frequently. If he can maintain such a lofty per carry average well into the season, it will speak volumes about his durability and speed.

Rushing Yards

There will inevitably be comparisons. To boring Montee Ball, to Stepfan Taylor, even to the dearly departed LaMichael James.

It will be noteworthy if DAT's rushing statistics build nicely as the year goes along. He needs to prove he's durable as well as explosive.

DAT's Heisman strength is that he's a triple threat: rushing, receiving and returning, but I think he probably needs somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,500 rushing yards to be credible.

Receiving Yards

Receiving the ball will be one area where DAT can distinguish himself from his unworthy competition.

Again, in 2011, his receiving stats were as glitzy as his rushing stats. DAT tallied 46 catches for 605 yards, and a 13.2 average per reception.

We will probably see DAT used in more receiving scenarios in 2012, and I expect his total receiving yardage to be north of 1,000.

Returning

Only fearless players return kick-offs and punts. I mean, would you want to have the entire opponent's team trying to kill you while you ran straight at them at full speed?

The diminutive Thomas (5'9", 173 lbs.) made opponents look quite foolish on several occasions last year, especially during his 36 kick-off returns. His 96-yard return for a touchdown against the Trojans was one of my favorite plays of the year.

There is almost nothing flashier in college football than returned kick-offs for touchdowns. Get a few of these, DAT, particularly during games on national TV, and your Heisman stock will soar.

You must beat last year's total (two), so let's pick a number for your goal: four, please.

Stay Healthy

I recall that Thomas was only injured once in his freshman campaign—during the Pac-12 Championship game against UCLA.

This is the area I worry most about. DAT absolutely must stay healthy and free from injury if he is to compete for the Heisman. Overall stats are important, and if a player misses a game, or even a half, due to injury, it will impact his stats.

Momentum as the season goes along is important to Heisman voters, but overall stats weigh heavily. So, DAT, my advice is to run as fast as you can on each and every play, and don't let the defenses hit you.

Simple, no?

Be Charming

It's not necessary to go to Haiti and build houses like one of your competitors did, but good deeds can't hurt.

At the very least, DAT must take advantage of every PR opportunity that comes his way. It's important to be gracious and charming in every post-game interview, especially if he hasn't played up to his splashy standards.

Thomas should position himself as one of the Pac-12's standard bearers. He's got the personality and he must use it.

I always felt that LaMichael James hurt his Heisman chances because he didn't embrace the PR side of it and paled in comparison to Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III's razzle-dazzle.

Oh, I can hear you now out there: It only matters what DAT does on the field. Sorry, but you are wrong. We live, for better or worse (worse, in my opinion) in a celebrity culture, and PR matters whether you like it or not.

And, obviously, it goes without saying that he needs to steer clear of any bad headlines between now and the end of the year.

Help Ducks Reach the Natty

Team success is not paramount in a player winning the Heisman—see Robert Griffin III and Baylor.

However, it will help DAT's chances if Oregon makes it to the big stage. If the Ducks blow past USC twice (and it wouldn't hurt Thomas' campaign if they make surfer dude look average), DAT will continue to be talked about.

I'm fairly certain that every Duck player on this year's roster has the National Championship Game as a goal.

If they make it, and if DAT has a trouble-free season with award-winning stats, it could be a year for the ages for Duck fans everywhere.