Bleacher Report Experts' Picks for the 2015 Heisman Trophy
Now that the conference-championship games have ended and the College Football Playoff field is set, there's only one real piece of intrigue before bowl season starts.
Who will take home the most celebrated individual award in sports?
Yes, 2015's Heisman Trophy will be awarded Saturday night, and our experts are here to tell you who will win it. But before we get into that, a quick recap of the finalists:
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Derrick Henry was the definition of a workhorse back this season as he, at times single-handedly, carried the Alabama Crimson Tide offense and ultimately the team to a 12-1 record and a spot in the playoff.
Henry led the nation in rushing yards (1,986) and rushing touchdowns (23). He also amassed an incredible 339 carries—good for 25.8 per game. In the process, he broke Herschel Walker's record for most single-season rushing yards—a mark that stood for 34 years.
More impressive than the statistics was the way in which Henry ran. His bruising style punished defenses late in games, as Alabama was content to hand the ball off to No. 2 and let him wear out opposing defenses. It wasn't always glamorous, but Henry's accomplishments meant the junior was assured of a spot in New York essentially from the first game of the season.
Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford Cardinal
Speaking of record-breaking performances, it seems like Stanford's do-it-all running back, Christian McCaffrey, was shattering a new record on a weekly basis. The most important and impressive of those came in Stanford's final game, when McCaffrey's whopping 461 all-purpose yards broke Barry Sanders' record for most all-purpose yardage in a single season. The record had stood strong since 1988.
The ultimate model of offensive versatility, McCaffrey rushed for 1,847 yards—second behind only Henry—and eight touchdowns, caught 41 balls for 540 yards and four touchdowns and was second in the nation with 1,042 kick-return yards.
He also THREW two touchdown passes this season. McCaffrey's quick bursts in and out of traffic and his ability to separate from defenders are almost unmatched, and despite playing in late games when some of the nation was already asleep, the sophomore playmaker is well-deserving of an invite to New York.
Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson Tigers
Deshaun Watson's late-season statistical surge accomplished two things. Most importantly, it helped Clemson win and finish the campaign as the only undefeated team in the FBS. Aside from that, his surge began to make an impression with the Heisman committee, and Watson's invitation was all but clinched in the Tigers' ACC Championship Game victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels.
In that tilt, against a very good Tar Heels defense, he passed for 289 yards with three touchdowns and added 131 rushing yards and two more scores. It was quite a final impression to leave for Heisman voters.
On the season, the sophomore signal-caller threw for 3,512 yards and 30 touchdowns—ninth in the nation—and ran for 887 yards and 11 more scores. Beyond his stats, Watson showed poise, leadership and toughness in guiding the Tigers to an unbeaten year on the strength of his arm and legs. As the best player on the best team in the country, his appearance in New York was a given.
Congrats to Bleacher Report National Lead Writer Adam Kramer, who won the game picks for the regular season. We'll see if he can keep up the momentum for bowl season or if a new expert will emerge as top dog. And let us know who you think will win the Heisman Trophy and why in the comments section.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
