Heisman Campaigns in the Preseason? Heisman Campaigns in the Preseason

There are a little more than three weeks left until college football begins on August 29, but one aspect of the sport has already kicked off—the race for the Heisman Trophy. 

Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch's campaign officially launched in the preseason. This may be the earliest launch in Heisman history.

Lynch became the first player in FBS history to pass for more than 3,000 yards and run for more than 1,500, according to the school's official website. 

The school sent Heisman voters a white soft-sided lunch bag made out of recyclable material. A red "Jordan Lynch for 6" logo is on the front. The "6" refers to Lynch's jersey number and his penchant for scoring touchdowns. Last year he passed for 25 and rushed for 19.

A card was included in the lunch bag that read, "Lunch with Lynch." That makes no sense, of course, but the card actually admitted that. Self-deprecating humor earns bonus points. 

Catchy? Yes. Effective? Yes. Original? Off-the-charts original. And it is "green," which should satisfy this planet's greenies. 

A reporter's notepad, aka media tablet, was also included in the insulated lunch bag. Reporters never have enough of those things. That was a nice touch.

NIU's media relations did a great job of creating a lot of interest and chatter about Lynch. The school's launch was creative and the first of what is surely many more to come.

Well done, Huskies.

Alabama, Louisville, Ohio State, Oregon and USC, you are now on the clock.