Biggest Challenge for Top 2017 Heisman Candidates
No college football player is flawless, and even the best of the best have major obstacles standing between them and the Heisman Trophy.
For some, it's the position they play. Others just need the same type of exposure as those on marquee teams. Grueling schedules or physical limitations could also prohibit a stud player from winning the award.
Those with the perfect blend of physical talent, past performance and a projection of what is to come for that player and his team this season make up the top Heisman candidates for 2017.
Those who don't meet all the criteria don't materialize as realistic selections. For instance, UCLA's Josh Rosen is one of the sport's most talented players, but his lack of a proven supporting cast and the fact that he's coming off an injury eliminates him.
Stud runners such as Saquon Barkley and Derrius Guice have proved plenty already. Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson has won a Heisman and is looking for another. But all must overcome hurdles.
Let's take a look at what's standing in their way.
Josh Allen, Wyoming, Quarterback
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The problem
Though Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen is one of the most talented pro prospects of the past few years at the position, he'll face a common obstacle for non-Power Five players: exposure. Not enough people will see the Cowboys play this year, and even if they do, what weight will huge numbers carry against subpar competition?
The solution
Allen has to showcase his skills on a consistent, dominant basis. Luckily for the 6'5", 233-pound redshirt junior, he will get the opportunity to shine against stellar opponents early in the year against Iowa and Oregon.
If he excels and leads the Cowboys to wins or at least strong showings, he can build his resume. If he can keep it going in the conference against Boise State, Colorado State and Air Force, watch out.
Heisman chances
Very slim. With a strong '17, Allen could climb all the way to the top of NFL draft boards, and he could lead the Cowboys to a memorable season. But the chances of upsetting the Hawkeyes and Ducks are slim, and that's probably what it would take for Allen to do enough to win the voters' respect.
Even so, he'll have a monster year, so the numbers will be where they need to be.
Saquon Barkley, Penn State, Running Back
2 of 10
The problem
How do you identify a weakness for a running back who has none?
Penn State star Saquon Barkley is the most complete back in college football. With a horde of skill players around him and with opponents unable to key on just him, it's the perfect recipe for a big year.
But there are question marks on the offensive line as players shuffle around and others come off injuries.
The solution
Offensive line coach Matt Limegrover needs to zero in on his starting five during summer camp and get them to jell before the season opener against Akron. Losing center Brian Gaia to graduation will be tough, but the Nittany Lions have plenty of capable players. Three appear set with Ryan Bates, Connor McGovern and Chasz Wright, but the other two spots need to be settled.
Heisman chances
Excellent. Head coach James Franklin and his assistants have plenty of talent on the offensive front. They've also got a star quarterback in Trace McSorley and a bunch of good receivers.
With Barkley as the centerpiece for a team looking to repeat as conference champions, everything is set up for a Heisman season and high draft pick for the runner.
Jake Browning, Washington, Quarterback
3 of 10
The problem
As good as Jake Browning was last year—and he was exceptional—he sputtered at the end of the season against the best competition he played.
In the Pac-12 title game against Colorado, Browning finished 9-of-24 for 118 yards. Then, in a College Football Playoff loss to Alabama, he was 20-of-38 for 150 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He has to play better to take the Huskies further.
The solution
The rising junior doesn't have the strongest arm, and that will always be an obstacle against good competition. He normally features pinpoint accuracy, but that was his downfall against the Buffaloes. Then against Alabama, Washington couldn't generate a running game. He and the offense must be a lot more consistent in 2017 for him to win the Heisman.
Heisman chances
Not quite yet. The loss of star receiver John Ross will be tough to overcome, as it will be difficult replace his 81 catches, 1,150 yards and 17 TDs from 2016.
Browning still has two dynamic running backs and Dante Pettis lining up on the outside, but the Huskies are probably going to have to at least repeat what they did a season ago for the QB to get consideration. He may be a favorite in '18.
Sam Darnold, USC, Quarterback
4 of 10
The problem
As great as Sam Darnold can be, he isn't mechanically sound yet. That's scary when you consider just how good the redshirt sophomore will be with a little polish.
He spent the offseason practicing his footwork and mechanics, and once he puts everything together, he'll be elite. "He's not a finished product," USC coach Clay Helton told USA Today's Paul Myerberg. "But he is special. He is special. And whatever it is, he has it. There's no question."
The solution
He's already doing it. There's no substitute for practice, training and repetitions, and Darnold is doing it daily. Remember, the 6'4", 220-pound signal-caller began 2016 as a backup before taking over for Max Browne and dominating college football headlines in the process. All Darnold needs is experience, and he could go down in USC's rich history as one of the Trojans' best.
Heisman chances
Very good. The Trojans will miss JuJu Smith-Schuster, and it'll be hard to replicate that production (3,126 yards from scrimmage and 25 touchdowns in three years), but Helton has done a good job recruiting to Los Angeles. With a strong running game behind him and with USC expected to win the Pac-12, Darnold just needs to deliver. If he and his team have a big year, he'll be right in the middle of the conversation.
Royce Freeman, Oregon, Running Back
5 of 10
The problem
When Royce Freeman decided to return to Eugene for his senior season, it was the biggest recruiting job new Oregon coach Willie Taggart could have done.
Freeman's fine-tuned his body, according to The Oregonian's Tyson Alger, too. But can he stay healthy? He never had an issue until last year when he missed two games. If he can stay on the field, he'll produce big numbers.
The solution
After losing weight and getting in great shape, Freeman seems poised to break out in Taggart's offense as a senior. He'll surge up draft boards when he does.
The senior is perfect for Taggart, and the coach knows how to use his runners. If Freeman's new physique leads to fewer nagging injuries, he'll produce in a big way. Then, it just becomes about wins and losses for the Ducks.
Heisman chances
Decent. A four-year star could get rewarded if voters look at his entire body of work. But for that to happen, Freeman will have to play his way back onto the tips of college football pundits' tongues after many forgot about him during the Ducks' 2016 struggles.
If Oregon rebounds under Taggart, a lot of that will be because of Freeman. He needs to be the catalyst for Oregon's return to glory to have a shot.
Derrius Guice, LSU, Running Back
6 of 10
The problem
A lack of balance in LSU's offense hindered former running back star Leonard Fournette from producing the consistently huge numbers it takes for a runner to win the Heisman.
The Tigers need a much better passing game to keep opponents from zeroing in on Derrius Guice, or he won't have a chance. Ask Fournette, who saw his 2015 hopes dashed in a flash by Alabama's loading the box.
The solution
It all comes down to new offensive coordinator Matt Canada's ability to put senior quarterback Danny Etling in a position to loosen up defenses with play action and the short passing game.
LSU hasn't been able to keep defenses honest, and that's why coach Ed Orgeron brought in Canada, known as a great offensive mind, from Pittsburgh. If the coordinator can find a way to balance things, Guice will have a better career than Fournette.
Heisman chances
Very, very good. Along with Barkley and Darnold, Guice makes up three of the top five names on this list.
Canada doesn't have a ton of talent with which to work in Etling, but he'll improve the Tigers offense just enough for Guice to post big numbers. They'll have to knock off Alabama and Auburn in the SEC West for him to win the Heisman, though.
Lamar Jackson, Louisville, Quarterback
7 of 10
The problem
After winning the Heisman in 2016, electric dual-threat Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson fell on rough times at the end of the season. LSU embarrassed him in a 29-9 loss in the Citrus Bowl. That spotlight will be hotter on Jackson this year, and he must produce in the wake of his difficult finish. Plus, Houston and LSU provided the blueprint on how to slow him down.
The solution
It's hard to fault Jackson, whose brilliance is obvious. But he can't do everything on his own, and there were times in 2016 when he tried. The Cardinals need more playmakers to emerge, especially with receiver James Quick gone.
If they do, and if Jackson can improve his downfield passing, nobody can stop his feet. He's just got to be able to do it with help.
Heisman chances
He's in the top five, for sure, but he won't win it again in 2017. There are too many factors against him. Louisville won't be as good, and there will be times when Jackson finds it tough to make things happen with his feet.
The cupboard isn't bare for head coach Bobby Petrino, but there aren't enough proven playmakers for everything to come together like it did in '16.
Derwin James, Florida State, Safety
8 of 10
The problem
The biggest—and perhaps only—problem facing Florida State's do-it-all defender is just that: Derwin James plays defense. Only one player on that side of the ball has ever won the Heisman Trophy, and that was Michigan's Charles Woodson in 1997. As great as Jabrill Peppers was a season ago, he didn't get it. So, that will be tough to overcome.
The solution
Much like Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh did with Peppers, FSU coach Jimbo Fisher needs to put James in a position to fill stat sheets in creative ways. As talented as he is, he'll play his regular safety position, can line up at linebacker and come off the edge after opposing quarterbacks as an end. If James can turn into a turnover magnet and possibly get touches on special teams or offense, he's got a chance. Why wouldn't you want the ball in his hands?
Heisman chances
It all depends on how Fisher uses him. You never hear of the Seminoles looking for ways to get the ball in James' hands, but they should.
James has lobbied to return kicks this season. "I feel like I bring a lot to the field when I have the ball in my hands," James told 247Sports' Bob Ferrante. "My presence there alone speaks for itself." James is the best athlete in college football. Give him the ball and watch the numbers pile up.
Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma, Quarterback
9 of 10
The problem
Senior star quarterback Baker Mayfield was a Heisman Trophy finalist a year ago, and he has the drive, competitiveness, talent and athletes around him to make noise.
He can do it all, but sometimes he tries to do too much. That's not easy for anybody, but it's especially tough for an undersized, 6'1" signal-caller who tends to sling the ball into traffic.
The solution
Mayfield has got to be smart. There are few competitors like him in the sport. He plays for the perfect head coach in Lincoln Riley, who will let him be the field general on every snap. But even with Joe Mixon, Dede Westbrook and Samaje Perine off to the NFL, the Sooners have enough studs around him where Mayfield only needs to calmly distribute the ball and live to play another day when plays break down.
Heisman chances
Excellent. Right now, he's second on my list behind Barkley. He's that good, and he's been there before. An argument could be made that Mayfield deserved the award last year, but early-season setbacks did him in. By the end of the year, he was playing at as high a level as anybody in the nation.
If he comes out and proves OU can do it without those big three offensive stars, he'll win it, and the Sooners may take the national championship.
James Washington, Oklahoma State, Wide Receiver
10 of 10
The problem
Wide receivers don't win the Heisman. Think about it this way: Even though just one defensive player has won the award, it was six years before that in 1991 when a receiver last won. That was Michigan's Desmond Howard. And a lot of pass-catchers have put up PlayStation numbers since then, too. The best of the best at the position still don't win.
The solution
All of the elements are in place for James Washington and the Oklahoma State Cowboys to post flat-out amazing offensive statistics in 2017.
With all the talent around him, an elite running back and a senior quarterback in Mason Rudolph flinging him the ball, Washington could produce big numbers. But he needs record-breaking stats to win the award, and he needs to get in the end zone a lot.
Heisman chances
Slim. With Rudolph throwing and Mike Gundy calling plays, OSU has a lot of weapons, and the Cowboys will try to get them all touches.
Most of the time, if a receiver is good enough to be on the list, his quarterback is, too. And with Rudolph having all those targets, he wouldn't be a bad name to include here. Washington would need 80 catches, 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns to be considered a finalist. That's tough to do. Still, he'll be the top receiver on the list.
Recruit rankings and information courtesy of Scout unless otherwise noted. All stats gathered from CFBStats.com unless otherwise noted.
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