2010 College Football Heisman Hopefuls Ranked: Week 5
The college football season is in full swing, and the Heisman picture is beginning to get clearer.
Most teams played against weaker competition early in the season, so some stats may be inflated, but if the most prestigious award in college football were to be given away today, this is how it'd look.
7. Mark Ingram
1 of 7
The best player on the best team in the nation, plus the returning Heisman winner should always be included in the conversation.
True, Ingram was injured and missed some time this year, but he has shown why he is the reigning award winner since he's been back, scoring multiple times each week. Alabama will continue to roll, and they will feed it to Ingram all game long.
Problem is, nobody has repeated since Archie Griffin. Not to mention, Trent Richardson is a pretty good player himself and will steal some carries. I look for Nick Saban to be more interested in a national championship than an individual award.
Mark Ingram should be invited to the party, but I'd be surprised if he gets another piece of hardware.
6. Andrew Luck
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Stanford's Andrew Luck is the real deal, and you will see him playing on Sundays very soon. He is the only pro-style quarterback on this list.
Unfortunately for Luck, this award is not for the most NFL ready player. Luck played a great first half in Oregon, but when given a chance to come back in the fourth quarter and get the win, he threw some bad passes.
Luck's only real chance is to win out, and put up some crazy numbers while doing so. My bet is that he doesn't even get an invite.
5. LaMichael James
3 of 7
Oregon is leading the country in scoring and LaMichael James is a big reason why.
As long as Oregon keeps rolling, James is going to become part of the discussion. His numbers are a bit inflated because Oregon's schedule has been pretty weak. They faced their first big test this weekend, however, and James looked like the best player on the field, with over 250 yards and three touchdowns.
Can he keep it up? Definitely.
Will it be enough to get him an award? Doubt it, but don't be surprised if he is the second running back invited to the big show.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
4. Cameron Newton
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Auburn was an afterthought in the SEC, but up to this point, they look like a real contender. There is a lot of season left, and Auburn faces some stiff competition in the upcoming weeks.
If Auburn can keep its unbeaten streak alive, and pull a few more upsets in the coming weeks, then this juco transfer will remain here with the potential to move up. However, if Auburn hits the skids, this surprise player will become an afterthought again.
3. Kellen Moore
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Kellen Moore has had one of the most amazing careers as a college quarterback, and no matter where he ends up he should be proud.
The problem for Moore is much like the problem for Boise State—most people don't take their game seriously. Moore is undoubtedly a great leader and a winner, but most Heisman voters want their guy to be on a big name team, with big time stats.
Moore probably won't win the award, but he is definitely deserving of being considered. Here's hoping that he at least gets an invite.
2. Terrelle Pryor
6 of 7
Nobody can question the fact that Terrelle Pryor is an absolute freak of nature, and has the ability to do it all on the football field. He's got the height, the speed, and the arm strength—and he is the leader on one of the best teams in the country.
If Ohio State stays unbeaten, Pryor should be a lock to be invited to New York. But despite all the things Pryor has going for himself, I still have my doubts whether or not his head is as developed as his body.
If he proves me wrong, he very well could be the guy holding the award at the end of the season. I'm guessing he's not.
1. Denard Robinson
7 of 7
Before the season, the big question in Michigan was, "Can Rich Rodriguez find his guy at quarterback?" Since Week 1, the answer has undoubtedly been "YES!"
Despite the fact that Michigan's defense is terrible, Denard Robinson has performed like, well, the best player in college football. If the vote were today, Robinson might win by the most votes ever. He is a freak, and there is no doubt that he has carried Michigan almost entirely on his shoulders.
If Michigan continues to win, then there won't be a need for a vote this year. But if Michigan falters, can Robinson keep enough voters entertained to take home the most prestigious award in college football?
This much is true, if stats are all that matters, Robinson has already locked up the award.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
