Matt Barkley, Montee Ball Lead the 2012 Heisman Race

When it comes to watch lists, it's never too early.

Ever.

So ten months away from the Heisman ceremony, without a single down of football in the books, every talking head in the nation is already weighing in on which players will be the sitting in the suits their mothers picked out for them in December.

Though Robert Griffin III proved that a come-from-behind strategy and a good social media campaign can get you the coveted trophy, it doesn't hurt to have a head start and a reserved spot on the watch list.

This season there are already a few distinctive front-runners that have pulled ahead even before spring ball. See if you can predict the top five candidates in this year's race.

No. 5: CB Tyrann Mathieu, LSU

By the Numbers: 70 tackles, 2 interceptions for 16 yards, 6 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries for 39 yards

Usually defensive players, especially when they are underclassmen, get snubbed when it comes to the Heisman, but the 2011 Chuck Bendarik award winner is worthy of a little extra hype. He was a part of one of the stingiest defenses in recent memory, playing with a passion akin to Tim Tebow and a tenacity worthy of Troy Polamalu.

Though he’s a long-shot for actually winning the award, very few people should have issue with him making the trip for a second year in a row.

No. 4: RB De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon

By the Numbers: 55 carries for 595 yards and 7 touchdowns, 46 receptions for 605 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2011

The true freshman might have lived in the shadow of 2011 Heisman finalist LaMichael James and fought for minutes with Kenjon Barner, but every time he took the field the world stopped and watched.

The freshman All-American and Pac-12 Co-Offensive Freshman of the Year is probably one of the fastest men in college football. Last spring he ran the fastest 200 meters by a prep athlete in the nation, clocking in at 20.61 seconds.

Quite frankly, it is only a matter of time before Thomas receives an invitation to the Heisman ceremony. And if his track record says anything, he’ll probably get there faster than most.

No. 3: QB Denard Robinson, Michigan

By the Numbers: Passed for 2,173 yards for 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, rushed for 1,176 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2011

He helped restore Michigan to respectability after leading them to an 11-2 record, beating arch rival Ohio State for the first time since 2003. The voters love dual-threat athletes (Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III), and Robinson epitomizes the term. He’s had Heisman-worthy buzz the past two seasons, but has fallen just short both times.

If he can cut down on his interceptions and refine his throwing motion, expect to see those dreads in a three-piece suit come December.

No. 2: RB Montee Ball, Wisconsin

By the Numbers: 1,923 rushing yards on 307 carries and 33 touchdowns, 24 receptions for 306 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2011

If you can make it to New York once, there is a chance you can probably do it twice. He rushed for more yards than anyone in the FBS in 2011 and will be cornerstone of the Badger offense this year, especially with the loss of quarterback Russell Wilson.

If Wisconsin can put itself in the hunt for a second consecutive Rose Bowl bid, Ball has a very good chance to bring home the bronze statue.

No. 1: QB Matt Barkley, USC

By the Numbers: 3,528 yards for 39 touchdowns, 7 interceptions in 2011

The quarterback set three school records this season starting with single-game completions when he threw for 34 in the season opener. He then threw six touchdowns in two of his last four games breaking 2004 Heisman winner Matt Leinart’s single-game touchdown record. He also broke 2002 Heisman winner Carson Palmer’s single-game passing record when he threw for 468 yards versus Arizona.

Despite not getting an invitation to New York last year, he’s put himself in front of the pack. He not only leads a team in the hunt for the national title, but he’ll be throwing to the best receiving tandem in the country with Robert Woods and Marqise Lee.

His biggest obstacle? High expectations.