College Football Heisman Race: Preseason

Each week during the season, I'll break down who are, in my opinion, the top five contenders for this years Heisman Trophy and give a couple sexy darkhorse picks.

Because the season has yet to start, I'll start of with my top 10 picks from the preseason.

 

1. Sam Bradford (Quarterback, Oklahoma)

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner needs to start the year as the No. 1 contender. After throwing for 4,720 yards and 50 touchdowns a year ago, it's gonna be hard to top those numbers. But its also gonna be hard for other people to top him.

 

2. Tim Tebow (Quarterback, Florida)

I'm going to put my personal qualms about him not being a true quarterback aside, because frankly, he might just be the most dominant player in college football. And after working on his throwing motion with Tom Brady's old quarterbacks coach, he might be ready to add more to his tool chest.

 

3. Jahvid Best (Running Back, California)

He is the nation's top talent at running back. Despite battling nagging foot, ankle and elbow injuries last season, he still posted 1,580 yards, which was good for fifth in the nation. And after two offseason surgeries, he's only gonna get better.

 

4. Dez Bryant (Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State)

He's the nation's best returning wide receiver after completing a junior season where he had 87 catches and 19 touchdowns. He also added two punt returns for touchdowns as well.

 

5. Jeremiah Masoli (Quarterback, Oregon)

The Heisman voters love a good dual threat quarterback, and after running and throwing for 13 touchdowns in his final three games of 2008, the junior who is built like a brick house might have them salivating.

 

6. Jonathan Dwyer (Running Back, Georgia Tech)

Running backs certainly get a lot of work in Paul Johnson's offense, as is evidenced by Dwyer's 1,395 yards last year. As the ACC's top returning back, more success seems likely.

 

7. Colt McCoy (Quarterback, Texas)

Call me a hater all you won't, but I just don't see McCoy putting it all together. He's had a bunch of talent around him at UT and has always been solid, but who knows. He does have a whole load of tools.

 

8. Noel Devine (Running Back, West Virginia)

The do-it-all junior had 1,289 yards last season, but only four touchdowns because Pat White stole a lot of rushing touchdowns inside the red zone. But with White off to the Miami Dolphins, Devine stands to see his value skyrocket.

 

9. Daryll Clark (Quarterback, Penn State)

The senior is going to be counted on a lot more if Penn State wants to get past the Buckeyes, but it's something he can handle. After throwing for 19 touchdowns and rushing for another 10, he might be the second-best dual threat quarterback in the nation by year's end.

 

10. Terrelle Pryor (Quarterback, Ohio State)

He's got all the talent in the world, but  he is very low on experience. If he can handle the increase in pressure and let his talent speak for itself, he can be special to watch.

 

Darkhorses

 

Max Hall (Quarterback, BYU)

BYU had the sixth-best passing attack last year thanks in large part to Hall, who completed 69.2 percent of passes and compiled 3,957 yards and 35 touchdowns.

 

Dan LeFevour (Quarterback, Central Michigan)

He comes from a small school, so there is very little chance he will capture the trophy. But being the active Division I-A leader in total yards means you get to be part of the discussion.

 

Jacquizz Rodgers (Running Back, Oregon State)

He may get lost in the Pac-10 shuffle, but being the first freshman to be named the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year counts for a lot. So does 1,291 rushing yards.