College Football Predictions: 5 Early Dark Horse Candidates for 2012 Heisman

Even though the start of the 2012 college football season is months away, many experts have already pegged their Heisman favorites.

Most of the lists include the likes of Matt Barkley, Aaron Murray, Landry Jones, Tyler Wilson and Denard Robinson as favorites.

However, an early-season favorite is not always—and not usually—the one that comes away with college football's most prestigious award. Cam Newton, for example, came out of nowhere to take home the hardware two years ago.

And, Robert Griffin III was certainly a long-shot six months ago.

Looking ahead, here are five dark horse candidates for 2012 who could follow in Cam Newton and RG3's footsteps and win the Heisman Memorial Trophy.

Geno Smith, QB, Senior, West Virginia Mountaineers

Though there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the West Virginia Mountaineers football program with their attempted escape from the Big East to the Big 12 still in progress.

But, with 14 starters returning, the Mountaineers should be primed for a good season either way.

The most important returner is quarterback Geno Smith.

Smith has been excellent for the Mountaineers the last two seasons, throwing 55 touchdowns to only 14 interceptions.

Moreover, he also showed improvement from 2010 to 2011. After only throwing for 2,763 yards two years ago, he threw for 4,385 last season.

After throttling the Clemson Tigers in the Orange Bowl, the Mountaineers certainly believe they can challenge for a BCS National Championship in 2012. If they do, Smith will be in excellent position to challenge for the Heisman.

Kenjon Barner, RB, Senior, Oregon Ducks

With LaMichael James moving on via the 2012 NFL draft, there will be a lot more rushing yards to go around in the high-powered Oregon Ducks offense next season.

The two guys who will reap the benefits of James' early entry are Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas. While both have the talent to challenge for the Heisman, Barner has a slight advantage because he is older and more experienced.

Even while playing second fiddle to James last season, Barner still ran for 939 yards and 11 touchdowns.

His production should increase exponentially next year. If it does, and the Oregon Ducks—who will be highly ranked in the preseason polls—are as good as expected, Barner could sneak to the front of the Heisman race.

Logan Thomas, QB, Junior, Virginia Tech Hokies

Logan Thomas had a very shaky start to his career as the starting quarterback for the Virginia Tech Hokies, but he came on strong and was a different player by the end of last season.

Despite only throwing four touchdowns with five interceptions in the Hokies first five games of 2011, Thomas threw for 15 touchdowns with only five picks in the final nine games.

He also became a dominant running threat, rushing for nine touchdowns in as many games.

If Thomas continues to improve, as expected, he could be primed for a very prolific season in 2012.

The Hokies offense will have to replace running back David Wilson and receivers Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin. But, with nine starters returning on defense they are a dark horse BCS Championship contender.

And Thomas is a dark-horse candidate for the Heisman.

Robert Woods, WR, Junior, USC Trojans

It's never easy for a wide receiver to compete for the Heisman. But, if any of them can in 2012, it's the USC Trojans' Robert Woods.

With studs Justin Blackmon, Alshon Jeffery and Michael Floyd all departing for the NFL, Woods is the best receiver left in college football.

Woods was fifth in the nation last year with 15 receiving touchdowns and eighth in the nation with 107 receiving yards per game.

Many consider the USC Trojans the favorite to win the 2013 BCS National Championship, and thus a Trojan has an excellent chance at the Heisman.

The main obstacle for Woods will be beating out quarterback Matt Barkley.

Eddie Lacy, RB, Junior, Alabama Crimson Tide

Considering an Alabama Crimson Tide running back has been a Heisman finalist two of the last three years, it's not that far-fetched to assume the next man in line at the position, Eddie Lacy, will make it to New York in the near future.

Even with Trent Richardson getting the majority of the carries for the Crimson Tide, Lacy still rushed for 674 yards and seven touchdowns in 2011. In the BCS National Championship Game against the LSU Tigers he, outperformed Richardson in the first half and ran for 43 yards.

Alabama will be a title contender again in 2012, and thus Lacy will get plenty of attention if he performs near Richardson's level next season.