Notre Dame's Potential Heisman Candidates

It's almost here. Notre Dame is less than a week away from kicking off the season against Nevada. I know I have been waiting for this game since Christmas Day. I will never forget that day in Hawaii. Although haters may not acknowledge it, the Hawaii Bowl was the game that awoke a sleeping giant.

In that game we saw a glimpse of what these guys can be in 2009. Lou Holtz predicts they will play for a National Title. I think that is more realistic than some may acknowledge.

Not only that, but Notre Dame have four players that could potentially compete for the Heisman trophy. Sure the front runners are Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford, and Colt McCoy, but the Irish have a few guys that could sneek up on people.

Jimmy Clausen

Clausen has been under pressure since the day he arrived in South Bend. Since replacing Brady Quinn, he has constantly been compared to the record breaking quarterback. After two seasons, Clausen is ahead of Quinn in most categories. I also think he has a slightly stronger arm. If he can make the same jump Quinn did in his junior year, then the Heisman is a possibility.

Golden Tate

After two seasons, Irish fans have become used to watching Tate make the big plays. I would like to see him improve on the shorter routes and make the tough catches in traffic. That is what keeps the chains moving. If he can learn to do that, Tate is another guy who could be invited to New York.

Armando Allen

I have always liked Allen, and I get the sense that he is ready to break out. I think a bad line has kept him from doing so. If the line can make the necessary improvements, then I think Allen could put up Reggie Bush type numbers. He is that type of player and can be used in multi-purposes.

Michael Floyd

After breaking many freshman receiving records last year, I know I am excited to see how much better he will be this year. Being that he is only a sophomore, it may be a little early to talk Heisman for him. At the same time, Tebow and Bradford won it as sophomores.