Ponder This: Why Florida State's Senior QB Will Be a Heisman Favorite

A scholar, an athlete, and a leader.  The Florida State Seminoles' Senior Quarterback, Christian Ponder, has it all.  Everyone in Tallahassee has known it for a while now, but this year Ponder is looking to make a national name for himself - and perhaps even make a run at the Heisman Trophy Award.

Coming out of Heritage High School in Coleyville, Texas, Ponder flew well below the radar just as he does today.  Rated only as a three star prospect by Rivals.com, he wasn't ranked nationally and came in ranked as the 50th best player in the great state of Texas.  Not too many programs were giving Ponder attention.  Florida State gave him a shot, a shot that the 'Noles will never regret taking.

Since enrolling at Florida State coaches and players have praised the dedicated quarterback for his work ethic, personality, and leadership ability.  He has also excelled in the classroom, obtaining his Bachelor's Degree in finance in just two and a half years, completing his Master's degree last year, and he is now working towards his Doctorate this upcoming semester.  In his career on the football field he has racked up 29 touchdowns, 22 interceptions, and close to 5,000 yards in passing. While his stats thus far have not been eye-popping to the casual college football fan, make no mistake, Ponder is a special player.

The 2009 season was Ponder's first year as the 'Noles starting quarterback, and up until his season-ending injury at Clemson, the junior play-caller was quietly putting together a phenomenal campaign.  Despite his season ending prematurely, he still managed to account for 14 touchdowns compared to 7 interceptions, all the while completing an impressive 68 percent of his passes.  Factor in all of the crucial drops made by Florida State's receiving core last year and Ponder's numbers could have been scary good.  The sky is the limit for the rising senior this fall to put it simply.

Now, let's break down why Christian Ponder will have as good of a shot as anybody to win this year's Heisman Trophy award.  Florida State returns a complete veteran offensive line, anchored by All-American Senior Right Guard Rodney Hudson.  Junior Left Tackle Andrew Datko is an important piece as well.  

Along with the offensive line returning in full, the 'Noles are bringing back all of their running backs as well as every wide receiver but one, Louis Givens.  Juniors Jarmon Fortson and Bert Reed will be valuable assets to Ponder this coming season, and it is imperative that the two stay on top of their game if Ponder and the 'Noles want to keep riding their high hopes late into the postseason.  Another returning stud receiver is Taiwan Easterling, who was widely expected to go pro in the MLB this year, though after a disappointing season, he is returning to the gridiron.

Have I mentioned all of the rising talent, yet?  Sophomore receivers like Willie Haulstead and Rodney Smith will be looking to leave their footprint on this season as well.  Chris Thompson, rising sophomore running back, is also expected to have a breakout season.  Some even think he may win the starting job over last year's occupant and current junior, Jermaine Thomas.  

Another intriguing possibility is the occasional addition of Greg Reid into the slot this year.  Everyone in Tallahassee knows the excitement Reid brings when he steps on the turf.  The kid is simply a play maker when the ball is in his hands.

As you can see, Ponder will have plenty of weapons and viable options to go to this fall.  The big question will be whether or not the receivers will stand up and help their senior quarterback make a run at the Heisman Trophy.  Everyone knows Ponder can and will get the job done as long as his receivers perform, assuming he finally finishes a full season without any injury issues. 

Another possible obstacle is Florida State's own defense, believe it or not.  If Mark Stoops, Greg Hudson and crew cannot get the defense to turn around and gain some ground, Florida State will simply not win a lot of games this year and Heisman candidates usually don't come from teams with less than impressive records.

So, heading into the 2010 college football season, first year Head Coach Jimbo Fisher certainly is set up nicely.  A proven senior leader controlling an experienced, explosive offense is something every coach would die for.  The two big questions that will remain unanswered until the season begins are - Will Ponder's supporting cast perform as needed to propel him into the Heisman race? Will the FSU defense make drastic changes from last year, avoiding multiple disappointing losses?  If the answer ends up being yes for both of those burning questions, watch out college football world. Something special could be brewing in Tallahassee.