College Football: Way-Too-Early Finalists for the 2012 Heisman Trophy

I know it's only January, but what's college football without some way-too-early predictions on the upcoming season?

This past season, several players put themselves in position to make a lot of noise in 2012. While having one good season is great accomplishment, it's important to follow up with another impressive statistical year, and I believe these players will be getting a lot of attention for the Heisman Trophy next season.

Here are my way-too-early finalists for the 2012 Heisman Trophy.

Honorable Mentions

DB Tyrann Mathieu, LSU—I'm going to get criticized for this, but I just don't see him exceeding what he did this past season. He's a great player, but he'll have to do something extraordinary in 2012.

Others in the mix include:

QB Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

WR Robert Woods, USC

RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina

WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson

RB Rex Burkhead, Nebraska

WR/RB DeAnthony Thomas, Oregon

De'Anthony Thomas was one of the most explosive and versatile players in college football last season, and he did this only as a freshman.

Next season, Thomas should be able to build on his early success in Oregon's offense. With Darron Thomas and LaMichael James departing for the NFL, Thomas will be taking on a significant role in the offense, prompting me to believe his numbers will be higher as a sophomore.

He really showed what he's capable of in the Rose Bowl against Wisconsin. He was the difference-maker, rushing for 155 yards on two carries and two touchdowns.

Since Thomas can play running back, wide receiver and even be a returner for the Ducks, I expect his name to be a popular one in 2012.

RB Montee Ball, Wisconsin

Once Montee Ball decided to return for another season at Wisconsin, he immediately was propelled into Heisman Trophy talks for 2012.

And for good reason.

The 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist tied a FBS single season record with 39 touchdowns, a record that was set by the great Barry Sanders. He was virtually unstoppable all season, racking up almost 2,000 rushing yards and just over 300 receiving yards.

There is no doubt that Ball will put up huge numbers next season in Wisconsin's offense, and those numbers should land him right into the Heisman Trophy talks again.

QB Denard Robinson, Michigan

With Robert Griffin III winning the 2011 Heisman Trophy, I like Denard Robinson's chances of being considered for the award next season.

While he isn't as proficient of a passer as RGIII was, he certainly has the dual-threat ability to put up big numbers next season. Behind an offensive line that should give him better protection in 2012, Robinson will have ample opportunity to make those big plays that fans became accustomed to seeing with RGIII in 2011.

If he improves his passing, Robinson will put up huge numbers and will turn a lot of heads throughout his senior season.

QB Matt Barkley, USC

Like Montee Ball, the announcement of Matt Barkley returning to school for his senior season instantly made him a favorite for next year's Heisman Trophy.

In fact, he should have been invited this season, but the NCAA sanctions on USC likely played a role in keeping him from New York. He threw for 3,528 yards and 39 touchdowns while completing nearly 70 percent of his passes.

2012 is setting up to be a huge year for Barkley with an offense that returns the best wide receiver duo in the country in Robert Woods and Marquise Lee.

The postseason ban will be lifted off USC once the season begins, and with Barkley at the helm, USC is predicted to be a Top 10 team and the favorite to win the Pac-12.

If USC does have great success next season, it will be because of Barkley and his proficient passing. He'll be a lock for a Heisman Trophy finalist.