Outside Shot: 10 Non-BCS Players That Could Be In The Heisman Race

It’s rare that a non-BCS conference player enters the conversation for the illustrious Heisman Trophy. Usually, it's an honor reserved for the big boys at the major programs.

The last lower conference player to be invited to New York was record setting Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan, who finished third in the voting in 2007, although he was never considered a serious favorite.

Brennan was one of the few players to play outside of the spotlight of the BCS to breakthrough and gain national notoriety. Normally, no matter how great of a season a lower conference player has, the lack of competition and lack of team prominence usually means they’ll be passed over when it comes to national awards.

Nonetheless, there are still an abundance of truly talented players out there in conferences like the WAC, Mountain West, Conference USA, and others. Even though their chances may be relatively slim when it comes to winning the award, lets take a look at ten players who could have Heisman type seasons in 2010.

10. Quarterback - Nathan Enderle: Idaho

Nathan Enderle played a major role in Idaho’s ascent from conference doormat to Humanitarian Bowl Champion in 2009. With almost 3000 yards passing, Enderle helped carry the Vandals to an eight win season, which is more victories than the team had in the previous three years combined.

Playing in such an obscure market, it’s safe to say that the fourth year starter will have to not only light things up through the air, but also lead his team to a perfect season to be considered for the Heisman.

That may be unlikely, but at 6'5" with a solid set of tools, expect the senior QB to get a strong look from NFL scouts this upcoming season.

9. Quarterback - Austyn Carta-Samuels: Wyoming

Austyn Carta-Samuels' numbers weren't anything especially out of the ordinary during his freshman year at the helm of the Cowboys. The 6'2" QB only tossed 10 TDs in 2009, but it was his spectacular play against Fresno State in last year's New Mexico Bowl that should have the Cowboy faithful excited for the next three years.

With all of the prominent offensive skill position players returning this season, including big target David Leonard, expect Carta-Samuels to continue to flourish in Dave Christensen's spread attack.

8. Running Back - Sam McGuffie: Rice

Running back Sam McGuffie, a former YouTube sensation, returns to his home state of Texas for the 2010 season after a one year stop up north in Michigan.

Under Rich Rodriguez, it was expected that McGuffie would flourish in the spread attack for the Wolverines, but after suffering three concussions, Sam’s first season was just never able to get fully going and he failed to reach the 500 yard rushing mark.

With the transfer back down south, McGuffie should literally feel right at home at Rice. There, he'll be able to run wild on Conference USA defenses week in and week out.

A 1,000 yard rushing season is a strong possibility for the former big time recruit.

7. Quarterback - Jordan Wynn: Utah

At just 6 foot 1, sophomore Jordan Wynn may lack the size you’d want from a starting quarterback, but the Utes signal caller makes up for it with his savvy play and super skills.

Wynn will have plenty of opportunities to make an impression with games against the likes of Pittsburgh, Iowa State, TCU, Notre Dame, and BYU this season.

It certainly won’t be an easy road, but if his finish to last season is any indication, Wynn looks like he’s up to the task.

6. Quarterback - Andy Dalton: TCU

If Wynn and Utah want a shot at the Mountain West crown, they'll first have to unseat 2009 champion TCU, led by the conference reigning offensive player of the year, QB Andy Dalton.

Dalton won't overwhelm you with his ability, but there’s no denying the results he put together in 2009. The senior guided the Horned Frogs to an undefeated regular season and a national top five ranking before coming up short in the Fiesta Bowl at the hands of Boise State.

We all know that Heisman voters love winning, so if Dalton can repeat the feat in 2010, he'll surely be on the Heisman radar.

5. Running Back - Bernard Pierce: Temple

Al Golden is slowly building Temple into a MAC powerhouse and one of the true bright spots on his Owl team is sophomore running back Bernard Pierce.

Pierce seemingly came out of nowhere to rush for over 1,300 yards as a freshman last season, and behind a solid offensive line, there’s a good chance he’ll build on that total this year.

The MAC isn’t exactly the most well respected conference in college football, but if the six foot sophomore can perform well against BCS opponents like UConn and Penn State, he should gain some positive attention.

4. Wide Receiver - Michael Floyd: Notre Dame

Floyd is on the short list for the best wide receiver in the country debate, and there’s no reason to believe the 6'3" junior won’t flourish in Brian Kelly’s heavy passing offense.

He may have been limited by injuries in 2009, but Floyd was still able to find the end zone in the six out of the seven games he participated in.

If he can stretch that type of a production out over a full season then big things should be on the horizon for the talented Fighting Irish star.

3. Quarterback - Case Keenum: Houston

Keenum may have consecutive 5,000 yard passing seasons under his belt, but there are many critics who feel he is just another product of a gimmicky offense.

That may be true to a degree; 700 passing attempts in a season certainly isn’t the norm. But Houston has some pieces to accomplish big things in 2010, and if Keenum can lead his team to an undefeated season, his name will definitely be popping up in the Heisman chatter.

2. Quarterback - Colin Kaepernick: Nevada

Colin Kaepernick is a true dual threat extraordinaire.

In 2009, the 6'6" senior became one of the few quarterbacks in college football history to pass for over 2,000 yards while also rushing for over 1,000.

Kaepernick has been honored with Conference freshman of the year and offensive player of the year honors during his career.

With a talented supporting cast comprised of running back Vai Taua and receiver Brandon Wimberly back at full strength in 2010, it's expected that the four year starter will finish off his time in Nevada with a bang.

1. Quarterback - Kellen Moore: Boise State

The only reason Kaepernick hasn't received more attention is because he just so happens to play in the same conference as that team up in Idaho. The one that has gone 26-1 under their current starting QB.

If that QB keeps up his winning ways, he'll be the undisputed favorite out of all the lower conference players to make a run at the Heisman in 2010.

Hokies, watch out!