2017 College Football Recruits Who Ultimately Could Contend for Heisman Trophy

If the 2016 Heisman Trophy race taught us anything, it's that contenders take a variety of paths to award consideration. Among the five finalists who attended last Saturday's ceremony in New York City, only one—Michigan linebacker Jabrill Peppers—was considered a composite 5-star prospect coming out of high school.

Oklahoma receiver Dede Westbrook attended junior college prior to arriving in Norman, while Lamar Jackson carried 3-star status in composite recruit rankings. Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield didn't even hold a scholarship when he enrolled at Texas Tech as a freshman. 

The point is, it's awfully difficult to project which high school standouts will ultimately transition into celebrated college studs. Still, this industry is all about projecting talent and there are plenty of young playmakers who appear primed to potentially emerge as eventual Heisman contenders while assessing the elements of their collegiate outlook.

Weighing skill sets, university fits and possible supporting roster structure, here's a glimpse at 10 prospects who may be capable of rising into the mix for one of sports' greatest accolades in upcoming years.

RB Najee Harris

Credit: Student Sports

High School: Antioch (Antioch, California)

Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama

The Case for an Eventual Heisman Campaign

Much like Leonard Fournette at LSU, Heisman Trophy hype will essentially be unavoidable for Najee Harris whether he sticks with his Crimson Tide commitment or lands elsewhere. It comes with the territory of being considered the country's top-ranked overall recruit, reaffirmed this season by a third consecutive 2,000-yard effort. 

Harris, a U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year finalist, gained 2,776 yards and 34 touchdowns on the ground in 2016, per MaxPreps. He tallied 98 total touchdowns during the past three years, and led Antioch High School to its deepest playoff run in four decades this fall. 

"Adrian Peterson and [2015 Heisman Trophy winner] Derrick Henry are two that come to mind that I have scouted that I can compare him to. Najee is better out of the backfield than both of those U.S. Army Bowl alumni," Erik Richards, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl national recruiting director, told B/R.

Harris, a human battering ram with rare nimbleness at 6'3", 225-pounds, is set to follow a long line of prolific rushers—including Heisman Trophy winners Henry and Mark Ingram—to Tuscaloosa under the direction of Alabama head coach Nick Saban. Michigan may be the biggest threat to flip him before early enrollment, though immediate opportunities seem likely regardless of where he arrives on campus next month.

QB Tate Martell

Credit: Student Sports

High School: Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)

Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State

The Case for an Eventual Heisman Campaign

Among the most accomplished high school quarterbacks in history, Tate Martell is weeks away from becoming Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer's' latest compelling pupil behind center. Dating back to his days at Utah, the three-time national champion has helped produce college quarterback standouts such as Alex Smith, Tim Tebow, Braxton Miller, Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett.

Meyer draws comparisons between Martell—a U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year finalist—and a former Florida Gators captain who helped him claim the first of those national titles.  

“The one that [Meyer] says I remind him of—because of my size—is Chris Leak," Martell told Robert Judin of CampusInsiders.com.

Martell is about an inch or two shy of 6'0" tall. This stature, when combined with elite improvisational skills, has also developed parallels to the playing style of Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel.

He tallied 2,362 passing yards, 1,257 rushing yards, 62 total touchdowns and just one interception as a senior, per MaxPreps, leading Las Vegas powerhouse Bishop Gorman to a third straight unbeaten season. His 45-0 career record features several signature win against top contenders across America, as Martell compiled 148 total touchdowns and nine interceptions during this scintillating stretch.

WR CeeDee Lamb

Credit: Scout.com

High School: Foster (Richmond, Texas)

Recruitment Status: Committed to Oklahoma

The Case for an Eventual Heisman Campaign

The Sooners just saw receiver Dede Westbrook surge into Heisman Trophy contention during his final season on campus. Despite this pivotal impending departure, the long-term offensive outlook in Norman is outstanding due to an abundance of quarterback talent that rivals any projected 2017 roster in college football.

This is great news for Oklahoma pass targets, and that's where our attention shifts with Sooners commit Ceedee Lamb. The Lone Star State stud already edges Westbrook by two inches, while carrying approximately the same weight (listed at 172 pounds). 

Lamb is coming off a career-best campaign at Foster High School, where he obliterated opponents with a 20.1 yards-per-catch average as an upperclassman, per MaxPreps. He recorded 98 receptions for 2,032 yards and 33 touchdowns as a senior, displaying the dominance and polish to instantly become a key component of Oklahoma's explosive downfield attack.

His 2016 campaign included three games with at least 225 receiving yards. Lamb secured at least three touchdown catches in five contests this fall, including a five-score performance in playoff action.

RB Cam Akers

Credit: Student Sports

High School: Clinton (Clinton, Mississippi)

Recruitment Status: Uncommitted; options include Florida State, LSU, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Tennessee

The Case for an Eventual Heisman Campaign

Fresh of a storybook senior season at Clinton High School, Cam Akers warrants consideration as this class' most coveted uncommitted recruit seven weeks shy of national signing day. Another U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year finalist, he packs punishing physicality in a 5'11", 212-pound frame.

This college-ready stature is augmented by elite vision and burst that can beat even top-tier defensive backs in a foot race toward the end zone. Akers, who lined up at quarterback for Clinton, accumulated 3,128 passing yards, 2,105 rushing yards and 65 touchdowns in 2016, per MaxPreps.

He totaled 445 yards and seven scores in a state championship victory earlier this month, making it his fifth game of the season with at least 200 rushing yards. That's quite an accomplishment for a player tasked with orchestrating offensive efforts behind center, providing tremendous promise for his impending shift to full-time duties deeper in the backfield.

"It's been hard for some college coaches to imagine how deadly he can be once he makes the transition to placing his hands on his thigh pads," Richards said. "I truly believe that Cam has the ability to be in the Heisman Trophy discussion in the next four years." 

Akers rushed for 3,523 yards (8.6 per carry) and 50 touchdowns as an upperclassman.

QB Dylan McCaffrey

Credit: Student Sports

High School: Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Colorado)

Recruitment Status: Committed to Michigan

The Case for an Eventual Heisman Campaign

Another McCaffrey could crash the Heisman party during years to come. Colorado quarterback Dylan McCaffrey, the younger brother of star Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey, has the tools to duplicate family success on a big stage.

The Elite 11 finalist, whose father is three-time Super Bowl champion receiver Ed McCaffrey, committed to Michigan as a junior. The Wolverines have another impressive young quarterback hand-picked by head coach Jim Harbaugh in 2016 signee Brandon Peters, and whoever ultimately earns starting reps down the line will lead one of college football's most talented rosters toward anticipated playoff contention.

It's exactly the kind of spotlight that produces Heisman Trophy contenders, and hype won't be lacking considering McCaffrey's family ties to the award. He capped off his high school career with a state title at Valor Christian, completing 67 percent of passes for 2,796 yards, 31 touchdowns and just five interceptions in 2016, per MaxPreps.

McCaffrey, who stands nearly 6'5" with room to add considerable mass, collected 81 total scores during the past two seasons, including 23 rushing touchdowns. This summer, he was selected by Elite 11 counselors as the competitor with strongest leadership qualities, while coaches praised his preparation and football IQ.

"What he embraces, I think, is the lonely work," Elite 11 coach Yogi Roth said during Bleacher Report's finalist reveal show. "He's going to work with Jedd Fisch as his quarterback coach, Jim Harbaugh is going to develop him, as well. This guy has all the things we don't see to give himself an opportunity in the Big Ten to shine and have a chance to be the No. 1 pick."

DB Darnay Holmes

Credit: Scout.com

High School: Calabasas (Calabasas, California)

Recruitment Status: Uncommitted; options include Arizona, Nebraska, Ohio State, UCLA and USC

The Case for an Eventual Heisman Campaign

History tells us the Heisman Trophy isn't likely to go home with a defensive player. Recent contenders include Michigan linebacker Jabrill Peppers (2016), Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o (2012), LSU defensive back Tyrann Mathieu (2012) and Nebraska lineman Ndamukong Suh (2009), but only Te'o finished better than fourth on final ballots. 

Peppers almost certainly wouldn't have made the cut for ceremony inclusion this year without his jack-of-all-trades reputation forged by efforts on offense and special teams. Former Michigan star and eventual NFL Hall of Fame inductee Charles Woodson remains the only Heisman Trophy winner recognized primarily as a defender, though he also contributed as a kick returner and receiver.

Versatility puts Darnay Holmes in the picture here. Aside from his status as No. 1 overall cornerback in Scout.com rankings, he presents tremendous potential as an impact player on offense and special teams. 

Holmes secured 201 receptions for 3,368 yards and 38 touchdowns during the past three seasons, per MaxPreps, and would retain his blue-chip aura even if viewed strictly as a receiver. He also finds a way to produce game-altering plays away from offense, evidenced by seven kick/punt return scores and three defensive touchdowns since 2015.

Not to be overlooked, he is equipped to provide shutdown coverage in the defensive secondary. If Holmes' monumental impact in all three phases of the game continues in college, he's a serious threat to reach New York City someday.

RB Stephen Carr

Credit: Student Sports

High School: Summit (Fontana, California)

Recruitment Status: Committed to USC

The Case for an Eventual Heisman Campaign

An eight-game win streak provided much-needed stability in Los Angeles this season, and the emergence of redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Darnold provides optimism for future offensive efforts. The Trojans boast one of college football's deepest stables of young receivers and, in the backfield, Stephen Carr could be "next man up" when sophomore running back Ronald Jones II moves on.

Jones will easily be USC's leading returner next year in terms of carries and has compiled more than 2,000 rushing yards through two collegiate seasons. Expect Carr to challenge rising junior Aca'Cedric Ware for the volume of rushing attempts left behind by senior Justin Davis (104 regular-season carries), competing for a potentially large role on a team that will certainly be considered a Pac-12 contender entering 2017.

Carr, who packs punch at 6'0", 200 pounds, surpassed 2,000 rushing yards this season, according to the Fontana Herald News. His value at USC should also extend into the passing attack, as he's a capable receiver who can line up in multiple roles.

If the Trojans are truly back on track with head coach Clay Helton and offensive coordinator Tee Martin combining to create fireworks, expect Carr to play an integral role in this program's continued climb. He could assume every-down duties by 2018, setting the stage for breakout production in a media-heavy environment that helps promote Heisman hopefuls.

QB Jake Fromm

Credit: Student Sports

High School: Houston County (Warner Robins, Georgia)

Recruitment Status: Committed to Georgia

The Case for an Eventual Heisman Campaign

Judging by head coach Kirby Smart's first season in Athens, the Bulldogs are in a building blocks phase right now. While we may ultimately look back at 2016 5-star quarterback signee Jacob Eason as foundational piece of this new era, it could be Jake Fromm who helps bridge the gap toward national title contention a few years down the road.

The Elite 11 finalist and former Alabama Crimson Tide commit is set to enroll early this winter and will instantly provide further motivation for Eason's continued progression. Fromm, who doubled as a baseball star at Houston County High School, is just the second Peach State prospect to exceed 12,000 passing yards in prep football (joining two-time Heisman Trophy finalist Deshaun Watson). 

Analysts, coaches and peers rave about his competitiveness and he's quickly become a catalyst for Smart's first full-cycle recruiting class. If Eason takes his foot off the gas pedal or suffers an injury, Fromm may seize starting reps and never give them back.

"He'll make me a better quarterback, and I expect to do the same thing for him," Fromm told B/R during Elite 11 finals this summer. "Our defensive backs are going to get a lot of good work in practice."

Eason projects as a potential early NFL draft entry if his trajectory sustains, so a couple years of patience could pay off in a big way for his predecessor. Fromm, who tallied 4,261 yards and 45 touchdowns in 10 games this season, per MaxPreps, could be the right man at the right time as Georgia's revamped roster hits its stride. 

WR Tee Higgins

Credit: Scout.com

High School: Oak Ridge (Oak Ridge, Tennessee)

Recruitment Status: Committed to Clemson

The Case for an Eventual Heisman Campaign

If Clemson truly aims to claim the title of "Wide Receiver U," continuity is key. The commitment of Tee Higgins—along with fellow celebrated Tennessee pass-catcher Amari Rodgers—indicates that moniker might fit long-term for the Tigers. 

Higgins, an understated and diligent worker, warrants consideration as the country's No. 1 overall receiver recruit. He was one of only two players at the position to land on a semifinalist list for U.S. Army All-American Player of the Year after posting a 19-touchdown campaign at Oak Ridge High School, according to Tom Kreager of the Tennessean.

"Tee is a straight-up playmaker—one of the best I've seen throughout the whole year of Nike regionals," said Damon Griffin, a former star Oregon Ducks receiver who coached at The Opening and earlier regional camps.

Higgins stands nearly 6'5", runs a sub-4.6 40-yard dash and flashes rare body control for an athlete of his stature. Simply put, he presents a matchup nightmare for opponents.

"He can go up and get it," his future teammate Rodgers said. 

Even after Deshaun Watson departs, the Tigers' offensive future seems to be bright. Higgins could quickly become a headliner as new playmakers rise up at Clemson, and his potential red-zone prowess puts him in the picture for possible awards consideration.

QB Tua Tagovailoa

Credit: Scout.com

High School: St. Louis (Honolulu)

Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama

The Case for an Eventual Heisman Campaign

You'll be hard-pressed to identify a college football recruit who has enjoyed a more successful 2016 than Tua Tagovailoa. Committed to the Crimson Tide since spring, he earned Elite 11 MVP honors, broke Hawaii's all-time career passing record and led St. Louis High School to a state championship. 

Tagovailoa tallied 2,669 passing yards, 727 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns in 11 games as a senior, according to ScoringLive.com. His ability to impact games as a passer (1,214 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air during a three-game span in September) and a runner (four 100-yard rushing games, including a season-high 136 yards in St. Louis' state title victory) help separate him from the pack. 

A natural leader, we haven't encountered many participants at The Opening who have been more respected by their peers. Tagovailoa also carries an exceptional competitive drive, which should serve him well in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama true freshman Jalen Hurts hasn't opened the door for much doubt during his surprising run as offensive catalyst of America's top-ranked team, and he carries three more years of collegiate eligibility. His ascension hasn't deterred Tagovailoa, though late offers from schools such as Florida, Oregon and LSU provide alternatives as early enrollment approaches.

Tagovailoa is one of the most unique quarterback prospects—mentally and fundamentally—we've encountered. Our guess is he'll maximize opportunities—and a star-studded supporting cast—when his moment arrives.

Tyler Donohue is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Quotes and observations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Prospect ratings and information courtesy of Scout.

Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.