Heisman Trophy 2010: Jim Plunkett Says Cam Newton "Way On Top"

Jim Plunkett took time out of his busy day to speak with Bleacher Report. He touched on many topics, including why Andrew Luck should stay in college after this year since the NFL's collective bargaining agreement is up in the air, how Luck is the best passing quarterback in the country and his top players in college football today.

Mr. Plunkett was the recipient of the 1970 Heisman Trophy as quarterback at Stanford. While at Stanford, he passed for 7,544 yards and 52 touchdowns and completed 530 passes out of 930 attempts.

His signature game that defined his career at Stanford came against Ohio State in Stanford's last Rose Bowl victory, in 1971.

Currently, Plunkett is promoting Heisman.com, a website where fans of college football can get information about the Heisman Trust and about the 76th Annual Heisman Trophy Dinner on December 13th at the Marriot Marquee in Times Square, New York City.

According to Plunkett, "The public doesn't know that this is an open event to everyone. People can get tickets to this event and meet some of the past trophy winners, former NFL players who are friends with the Heisman Trust, and the finalists this year. Tables are on sale, tickets are on sale, and sponsorships are on sale for the event. People can just go to Heisman.com to save their seat."

Who are Plunkett's favorites for the 2010 Heisman Trophy? Well, just click on through to see who this former Heisman Trophy winner likes to watch on Saturdays.

Cam Newton: Quarterback, Auburn

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Cam Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers warms up before facing the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

"Cam Newton is way on top," Plunkett said about the Auburn quarterback.

The game last week against Alabama seemed to sway Plunkett's thoughts on the quarterback: "Making a comeback for Auburn against Alabama, that was quite a big performance by him."

Plunkett could not make a prediction of who would be a Heisman Trophy finalist, but he did have this to say about Newton: "Cam Newton right now is a top candidate."

Andrew Luck: Quarterback, Stanford

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates after they scored a touchdown during their game against the Oregon State Beavers at Stanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Get

"I think that [Luck] should make the final candidates for the Heisman Trophy," Plunkett said. "If you haven't seen this kid play before then you are missing out."

"As far as I'm concerned, he is the best passing quarterback in the game today. He runs well, he does a lot of things that will develop into being a great quarterback in the NFL," he said about a player who could be up there with the best Stanford quarterbacks along with Plunkett and John Elway.

Plunkett's final words about Luck: “It shows that his teammates rally around him. If it’s 3rd-and-long and if he needs that extra time, they’ll (his offensive line) bite and scratch and claw so that he can get them that first down.”

Denard Robinson: Quarterback, Michigan

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Denard Robinson #16 of the Michigan Wolverines drops back to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Plunkett: "It's a high-powered offense that Michigan runs and Robinson that is a hybrid type of athlete that runs that offense. It's a hard find to find an athlete like Denard."

He made sure to note that Michigan's offense is built on pure speed and that for Robinson to be successful, "He has to have a lot of talent around him to make the offense work. But that is not to take away from what a great year he had."

Andy Dalton: Quarterback, TCU

Eric Draper/Getty Images

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs smiles after defeating the University of New Mexico Lobos 66-17 on November 27, 2010 at University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Photo by Eric Draper/Getty Images)

"This kid is a phenomenal athlete," Plunkett said about the small-school quarterback. "He has put up some big numbers this year and has had a great quarterback rating this year.

"This team has been under the radar all this year and has been for some time. Dalton flies unnoticed since they are not on national television a lot."

LaMichael James: Running Back, Oregon

Steve Dykes/Getty Images

EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Running back LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks goes through warm ups before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks won the game 48-29.(Photo by Steve Dykes/

To change it up from the quarterbacks as Plunkett's top picks, he made note of Oregon running back LaMichael James: "He is having a fabulous year rushing the football, with 20 TDs. He doesn't lead the nation in touchdowns, but he does have 1,500 yards.

"The offense is built on all speed and is so high-powered," Plunkett added. "We (Stanford) had them at the half, but they just came out flying in that second half."

Does Cam Newton Hoist the Heisman Trophy?

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

NEW YORK - DECEMBER 12: The Heisman trophy awarded to Running back Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at a press conference after he was named the 75th Heisman Trophy winner at the Marriott Marquis on December 12, 2009 in New York City. (Photo b

We tried to get a bold prediction out of Plunkett, but he held silent on who he expects to win this year.

"You know I don't know, I have not voted and I have a promise to the Heisman Trust that I will not reveal my vote util after all the votes have been counted," he said.

But does he think that Cam Newton is the front-runner?

"You know Cam is the front-runner and he went a long way to solidify that position after that Alabama game," Plunkett said.

He concluded, "You never know, though. Last year, [Toby] Gerhart was a hair away from winning the trophy away from Alabama's running back, Mark Ingram."

Remember you can meet some of the Heisman Winners of the past by visiting wwwHeisman.com. Thanks for reading you can always follow me for all of my ranting at Twitter by clicking www.twitter.com/tjmcaloon. See yeinz on Thursday for the Ultimate Television Viewing Guide!