2010 Heisman Hopefuls: Picking the Best Player in College Football
Picking the Winner of the 2010 Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Trophy is the award that is given out every year to the best player in college football. That prestigious award puts the players in a company of some of the best players to ever play the game, and often brings with it a lucrative NFL deal.
This college football season will provide plenty of top candidates for the Heisman voters to consider.
Here is a breakdown of the front runners, the contenders, and the sleepers that are in the running for the 2010-2011 Heisman Trophy.
Front runners:
Mark Ingram (Alabama Crimson Tide)
It’s rare for a player to go back to back and win the Heisman twice but Mark Ingram might just do it. He is on one of the best teams in the country and is returning with much of the same offense from a year ago. If he comes close to matching his ’09 numbers (1,658, yards, 17 TD’s) he will be in the running for the award.
Terrelle Pryor (Ohio St. Buckeyes)
A win against Oregon in the Rose Bowl may have just been a warning to the country that Terrelle Pryor is ready to carry Ohio St. to a championship. Pryor is a dual threat that can run and pass, and that is a deadly combination against any defense. His ability to break the big one makes him a threat to score on any play and that is just the kind of thing that could get him an invite to the Downtown athletic club.
Contenders:
Kellen Moore (Boise St Broncos)
There is no doubt Moore will have the numbers as he is the leader of one of the most dangerous offenses in college football. Last year he threw for over 3,500 yards and nearly 40 scores. Those kinds of numbers alone could earn him an invite, but this year he may actually play for a national championship. That combination makes him a contender for the trophy.
Dion Lewis (Pittsburgh Panthers)
Last year Dion Lewis ended the year rushing for over 100 yards in eight consecutive games. This was topped off by a 159 yard effort in a bowl game that singled him out as a player that can carry a team. He is the best runner in the Big East and maybe in the entire country. He should have gotten an invite to New York last year, and this time they won’t be able to overlook the talented tailback.
Case Keenum (Houston Cougars)
Case Keenum was another player that may have been overlooked last year when the Downtown Athletic Club sent out invites. As the leader of a high octane offense his numbers are sick. In ’09 he fired the pigskin all over the field amassing 5,671 and 44 scores. If he can match those numbers and his team succeeds these odds look pretty good that he will have a shot to win the Heisman.
Sleepers:
Ryan Mallett (Arkansas Razor backs)
Ryan Mallett is a big quarterback that has a cannon for an arBobby Petrino employs the right system that will equal big numbers for Mallett if he can fully recover from past injuries, and avoid new ones. The SEC West is wide open behind Alabama, and the buzz around Arkansas is that the Hogs will compete this year.
Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon St. Beavers)
Jacquizz Rodgers is an electrifying player that makes a highlight reel every time he touches the ball.Playing on the West Coast does not keep him in the constant spotlight but if he can avoid the let down in the big games he should get a vote or two for the award.
Garrett Gilbert (Texas Longhorns)
These odds are enormous but Garrett Gilbert may have an outside shot of making it to New York. He is playing on a team that always plays well and he got his feet wet in the championship game. If he can parlay that experience into a successful season with the Longhorns, he could become a household name.
This is going to be a great college football season and these players will be some of the best, but the questions remains: Which one of them will be the Heisman Trophy winner?
Other College Football Previews and Predictions for 2010
2010 BCS Championship College Football Predictions
2010 SEC Preview and Predictions
2010 College football Pac-10 Preview and Predictions
2010 College Football Big East Preview and Predictions
2010 College Football Big Ten Preview and Predictions
2010 College Football Big 12 Preview and Predictions
.jpg?w=600 "Cowboys Trade for 49ers LB")
.jpg?w=600 "Eagles Reportedly Trade for Pro Bowl LB")
.jpg?w=600 "Live Grades for SmackDown 🔡")