8 Underclassmen with Best Shot at 2016 Heisman Trophy
After decades of Heisman Trophy dominance by juniors and seniors, younger players are now regularly challenging for college football's prized award.
Tim Tebow broke the mold in 2007. Including that year, five of the last nine Heisman winners were freshmen or sophomores. And then there are players such as Christian McCaffrey and Deshaun Watson, who finished second and third last season, respectively.
But which young talents represent the best of the bunch this year?
Some are established stars, while others are hoping to become nationally known in 2016. Don't be surprised if any of these players are sitting in the front row during the Heisman presentation.
Note: For this article's purposes, "underclassmen" includes only freshmen and sophomores rather than the NFL draft definition of non-seniors.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
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The stars must align perfectly for Lamar Jackson to contend for college football's premier award. But if you're looking for a dark-horse candidate, go ahead and jump on his bandwagon.
Jackson split time at quarterback with Kyle Bolin and Reggie Bonnafon in 2015. However, he still threw for 1,840 yards and 12 touchdowns and ran for 960 yards and 11 more scores. If Louisville starts Jackson for an entire season, those numbers could rise significantly.
Every year, fans and analysts alike try to identify a player's "Heisman moment" and point to a signature victory. He could have three.
The Cardinals will take on Florida State, Clemson and Houston, a few of the nation's top contenders. We're not expecting greatness, but Jackson at least has the possibility.
Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
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USC's offensive line should be a strength in 2016, and Ronald Jones II may be the primary beneficiary of the unit's quality.
As a true freshman, he notched 6.5 yards per carry en route to a 987-yard, eight-touchdown season. Jones added a receiving score during his encouraging debut.
The trouble with any Heisman hype is that—barring injury—the sophomore will likely share the workload with Justin Davis. Tre Madden is gone, but Jones might barely top the 200-carry mark.
Nevertheless, Jones has proved he's worthy of being the featured back. Perhaps the Trojans will recognize that and let him run wild this season.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
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No one who has exclusively played wide receiver has ever lifted the Heisman. In fact, over the last 30 years, only Larry Fitzgerald has had a legitimate chance to win.
Other than him, there was Amari Cooper, who received significant consideration. Marqise Lee, Justin Blackmon, Michael Crabtree and Randy Moss each had top-five finishes, but they weren't remotely close.
With that said, why include Calvin Ridley?
The sophomore has Fitz-like potential to become a dominant college receiver. Last season, he registered 89 catches for 1,045 yards and seven touchdowns. That's only 11.7 yards per reception, so the Alabama wideout is far from his statistical ceiling.
Ridley needs gaudy numbers, but he certainly has the talent to shred opponents on a weekly basis.
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Christian Kirk, WR/PR, Texas A&M
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Despite the absolute mess that was Texas A&M's quarterback situation in 2015, Christian Kirk still managed to stand out.
The true freshman reeled in 80 passes for 1,009 yards and seven touchdowns. He also returned punts, recording 24.4 yards per attempt and taking a pair to the house.
Additionally, Kirk contributed both as a kick returner and runner, so the Aggies found ways to keep him involved in multiple facets. As long as that continues, the versatile receiver has a shot.
Kirk likely won't end up hoisting the trophy, but he'll be on the radar if Texas A&M surprises this season.
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
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UCLA has the unenviable task of replacing its two best receivers. Jordan Payton and Thomas Duarte, who combined for 131 receptions, 1,977 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2015, are headed to the NFL.
But the quarterback returns.
In 2015, Josh Rosen showed why he was a highly touted recruit. The gunslinger finished 19th nationally with 3,670 yards, completing 60 percent of his passes for 23 touchdowns.
Rosen's Heisman hopes will either be kick-started or broken immediately, because UCLA travels to both Texas A&M and BYU before hosting Stanford—all in September.
Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama
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Bo Scarbrough's Heisman campaign is currently built on hype. Since he's listed at 6'2" and 230 pounds, it's easy to understand why.
Plus, even before the votes were counted last year, Alabama gave Derrick Henry 395 carries. Scarbrough should have a terrific case after 250 attempts, let alone Henry's absurd total.
However, while the Crimson Tide have had a stellar run of success at running back that figures to continue, their depth is an issue. If Damien Harris doesn't play to his potential, Scarbrough might be forced to shoulder the load like Henry.
Scarbrough's injury history is a concern, but a healthy season will likely result in at least 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns for a championship-contending team.
Jabrill Peppers, LB/S/PR/RB, Michigan
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For a defensive player to win the Heisman, he absolutely must be a transcendent talent. It's fair to call Jabrill Peppers that.
Granted, the label is also the product of the redshirt sophomore not exclusively playing defense. Charles Woodson won the trophy in 1997 while at Michigan, but he also returned punts.
Fortunately for Peppers, he contributes in even more ways.
In 2015, Peppers was a safety, cornerback, nickelback, running back, wide receiver and returner. Overall, Peppers tallied 45 total tackles (5.5 for loss), 10 pass breakups, 27.9 yards per kick return, 11.4 per punt and two offensive touchdowns.
With Michigan adding linebacker to his duties next season, Peppers won't have a shortage of opportunities to join the Heisman chase.
DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
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It's undoubtedly strange that the underclassman with the best chance to win the Heisman Trophy isn't even a sure starter.
DeShone Kizer was thrust into the lineup in 2015 after a broken ankle ended Malik Zaire's season. The redshirt freshman responded with a solid campaign, leading the Irish to a 10-3 record.
He completed 62.9 percent of his passes for 2,880 yards and 21 touchdowns while throwing 10 interceptions. Kizer also scampered for 525 yards and 10 scores.
Notre Dame must replace elite deep threat Will Fuller, but Kizer is a well-known name and Notre Dame is a national brand. Should the Irish put together another successful season, Kizer will be a contender for the Heisman.
Well, if he wins the starting job.
Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report College Football Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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