Heisman 2011: An Early Look at 10 Sleepers and Borderline Sleepers

No space is left on this (or any other) Web site for more Heisman 2010 speculation. We know that Kellen Moore led Boise State over Virginia Tech in grand fashion. And yes, Denard Robinson is the new Heisman front-runner after his dominating performance at Notre Dame.

List upon list (slideshow upon slideshow) discusses this year's Heisman crop. Great. But what about next year? Forget the usual suspects; this lineup, in no particular order, consists (mostly) of under-the-radar guys. You might not know most of them now, but you soon will.

Taylor Martinez, QB, Nebraska

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LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 04: Taylor Martinez #3 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers passes the ball down field against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during first half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska

Freshman Taylor Martinez has looked sharp in Nebraska's opening two victories, tallying 242 yards through the air and 284 on the ground (on only 21 carries).

Look for Martinez to challenge Michigan's Denard Robinson as the best dual-threat QB in the country next season.

Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina

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COLUMBIA, SC - SEPTEMBER 11: Tailback Marcus Lattimore #21 of the South Carolina Gamecocks (center with ball) is tackled by cornerback Brandon Boykin #2 and free safety Jakar Hamilton #23 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the game at Williams-Brice Stadium o

Another freshman, Lattimore has thrived in Steve Spurrier's offense at South Carolina. In two contests, the 6'0", 218-pound back has rushed for 236 yards with five touchdowns.

With inconsistent Stephen Garcia, a junior, at QB, look for Lattimore to be the focal point of the Gamecock offense this season and next.

Ed Wesley, RB, TCU

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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 04: Tailback Ed Wesley #34 of the TCU Horned Frogs runs the ball against the Oregon State Beavers at Cowboys Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

In 2009, Wesley rushed for 638 yards on just 101 attempts (for a 6.3 yards per carry average). The sophomore has upped his production this season, rushing for a combined 219 yards in wins over Oregon State and Tennessee Tech.

With senior signal-caller Andy Dalton graduating, the Horned Frogs will hand over the reins to Wesley in 2011.

Jacory Harris, QB, Miami (FL)

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Jacory Harris #12 of the Miami Hurricanes attempts a pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Despite his four interception performance Saturday against Ohio State, Harris keeps improving, and his senior campaign next season should be no different.

Consider Harris' freshman and sophomore stats:

• 2008: 118-of-194, 1195 yards, 12 TD, 7 INT
• 2009: 242-of-406, 3352 yards, 24 TD, 17 INT

If Harris can continue to improve at that rate—and avoid interceptions—he could be holding the trophy in 2011.

Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn

In his first two games as Auburn's starting QB, former Florida Gator Newton has amassed 322 yards passing and 241 rushing.

As a senior next season, look for a more polished Newton to show marked improvement, especially with this arm, as Auburn climbs the Top 25.

Jeffrey Demps, RB, Florida

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 01: Jeffrey Demps #2 of the Florida Gators warms up before playing the Cincinnati Bearcats during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisana Superdome on January 1, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Demps is a lightning rod capable of scoring from anywhere on field. Already this season, the junior has rushed for 237 yards on just 19 carries (a 12.5 per rush average).

The only potential problem: carries. Demps averaged 7.8 and 7.5 yards per game in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Great numbers, but consider: He has never reached 100 carries in a season.

If Demps sees the ball more, he will put up huge numbers and jump into the Heisman discussion in 2011.

Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

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NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Landry Jones #12 of the Oklahoma Sooners drops back to pass against the Florida State Seminoles in the first quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by

Perhaps not quite a sleeper, Jones, who took over for an injured Sam Bradford last season, has the arm to throw himself into the Heisman race.

The junior QB passed for over 3,000 yards in 2009, and his numbers should climb with experience. Against Florida State on Saturday, Jones was 30-of-40 for 380 yards and four touchdowns. Heisman numbers indeed.

Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 4: Blaine Gabbert #11 of the University of Missouri Tigers looks to pass against the University of Illinois Fighting Illini during the State Farm Arch Rivalry game on September 4, 2010 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri.

The 6'5" junior is relatively unknown, largely because he plays in a QB-heavy league with the likes of Oklahoma and Texas.

Nevertheless, Gabbert put up excellent numbers in 2009 (3,593 YDS, 24 TD, 9 INT). This season, Gabbert is completing 75.9 percent of his passes, good for third in the nation.

If Mizzou can win and gain some national exposure, Gabbert has a chance to grab the attention of Heisman voters.

Adam Robinson, RB, Iowa

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 05: Adam Robinson #32 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs the ball against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the FedEx Orange Bowl at Land Shark Stadium on January 5, 2010 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Iowa won 24-14. (Photo by Doug

While Wisconsin's John Clay might receive the majority of the media's attention when it comes to Big Ten running backs, Robinson is quietly putting together a solid 2010 for Iowa.

Robinson, a sophomore, has 265 yards in two blowout victories. Look for him to rack up yards this season and especially next, leading to a potential Heisman in 2011.

Matt Barkley, QB, USC

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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans throws a pass against the Virginia Cavaliers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 11, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. USC won 17-14. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty I

Another borderline sleeper, Barkley is the unquestioned leader of USC's offense. After an inconsistent freshman season, the sophomore QB is off to a solid start in 2010, passing for seven touchdowns and no interceptions.

The question: Can USC regain its national prominence despite its NCAA sanctions? If so, Barkley could hoist the Heisman in 2011.