Heisman Trophy 2011: Projecting the Top 10 Early Favorites
Sure, the 2011 Heisman presentation is still another 11 months away. But that doesn't mean it's too early to look ahead to potential candidates for next season.
The college football landscape is loaded with talent and it looks as if the '11 college football season will be a memorable one.
We will assume that Andrew Luck and Cam Newton will be playing on Sundays this upcoming fall.
So what does the future of college football hold? Who is the next Cam Newton? Let's take a look at the early candidates for the 2011 Heisman Trophy.
10. Taylor Martinez, QB, Nebraska
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The freshman Martinez had a typically shaky season for a QB thrown into the fire right away. He met the expectations of the 'Husker Nation as he rushed for 942 yards and 12 TDs while passing for 1,578 yards and 15 touchdowns.
He was very limited down the stretch with a bad ankle—which really hurt his numbers.
Head coach Bo Pelini had a screaming session on the sidelines right in Martinez's face late in the season and there have been reports that Martinez is unhappy at Nebraska and thinking of transferring.
If Pelini can convince Martinez to stay, I'm sure he will have much more power both within the locker room and on the field.
He has the speed and arm to be a great player. Expect a stellar sophomore season for the guy whose dad invented the "Corn Fed" shirts.
9. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
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Jones had a great season and showed Sooner fans there is nothing to worry about behind center.
He threw for 4,289 yards and 35 touchdowns while winning both the Big 12 title and Fiesta Bowl. He played great on the national stage, throwing for 429 yards and three TDs against UConn.
After two seasons, 7,847 yards and 61 TDs, it's safe to say he has had a stellar start to his career in Norman.
As a junior he will get even better, and if the Sooners once again find themselves in the championship hunt, expect Jones to be right in the middle of the Heisman conversation.
8. Darron Thomas, QB, Oregon
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The Ducks have risen to the top of college football and their QB has a lot to do with it.
In his first year as a starter, Thomas threw for 2,500 yards and 28 TDs while running for 492 yards and five TDs.
He has been over looked because of the success of LaMichael James, but it's hard to ignore the talents of the QB on the best offense in all of college football.
Expect another huge season from Thomas in 2011.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
7. Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State
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Rodgers had his worst season with Oregon St., only collecting 1,184 yards and 14 TDs. The lack of an O-line and average QB play really hampered him.
He is one of the best pass-catching backs in recent memory, having collected 151 career receptions.
Rodgers is fast enough for the NFL and can handle the punishment that a running back takes. I expect a great senior season from Rodgers and a possible invitation to the Heisman ceremony.
6. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina
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Lattimore exploded onto the scene in 2010, putting up 1,197 yards and a whopping 17 TDs. He will be one of the top SEC stars in 2011 and will have the opportunity to showcase his talents in front of national audiences on a seemingly weekly basis.
At 6’0” and 218 pounds, he’s a strong back who has no fear when carrying the pigskin. He broke 180 rushing yards three separate times and he scored a TD in all but three games he played in.
His forceful running style wore down the opposition and he showed his versatility by catching 26 passes for two TDs. It's too bad he was injured for the Chick-fil-A-Bowl.
Expect him to be a household name by this point next season.
5. Stephen Garcia, QB, South Carolina
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Garcia showed lots of improvement in his junior campaign.
He threw for 3,059 yards and 20 TDs with a 64 percent completion rate. He did throw 14 picks, which is very troubling, but head coach Steve Spurrier will fix that in the offseason. Having "the ole ball coach" there to coach your QB is a good thing. No doubt his decision making will be vastly improved in 2011.
He will be expected to lead a very explosive Gamecocks offense that also features Marcus Lattimore and Alshon Jeffery.
With a big senior season and a great chance to make the BCS National Championship Game, expect Garcia to be in the fold.
4. Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia
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He finished ninth in the country in passing efficiency, compiling 2,851 yards, and 24 TDs.
Murray never seemed to hit the freshman wall, and by the end of the year he was playing like an old veteran. He only had six INT's all season. That's incredible for a frosh in the SEC.
His team underachieved but it wasn't Murray's fault. The future is bright in Athens, and Murray is going to get the most shine.
His athleticism is incredible, but Murray also has great size and a cannon for an arm. He puts excellent velocity on his deep out routes and can fit throws into tight spots.
There isn't much to dislike about this can't-miss talent.
3. Kellen Moore Jr., QB, Boise State
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He has had an outstanding three years at Boise St. and it wasn't Moore's fault his squad didn't go undefeated.
In his career he has compiled 10,528 yards with 97 TDs and 18 INTs. That is pretty incredible, even for a non-BCS school.
In 2010, he threw for 3,506 yards and 33 touchdowns with only five INTs, and received an invite to the Heisman ceremony.
Why would you expect anything less his senior season?
2. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
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Robinson burst out onto the 2010 scene rushing for at least 100 yards in seven of his first eight games. Not bad for a QB. He finished with 1,702 yards and 14 TDs on the ground.
His arm is solid, as well, as he amassed 2,570 yards and another 18 TDs through the air. His team may not be great, but putting up video game-like numbers will make it a moot point.
Expect him to make adjustments in his junior year and put up even better numbers.
He is one of the most, if not the most, explosive players in the game and is extremely dangerous in the open field. Robinson has a great opportunity to win a Heisman Trophy.
1. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
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LaMichael James is only a sophomore and he already is one of the top backs in the college game. He finished third in the 2010 Heisman race and has shown no signs of slowing down.
James collected an eye-popping 1,682 rushing yards and 21 TDs this season. That's only a bit better than the 1,546 yards and 14 TDs as a freshman!
Sure he plays on the offense that moves at a breathtaking pace, but the Ducks would not be in the BCS National Championship Game without him.
Next year, I expect him to be even better.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
