College Football 2011 Predictions: The 11-Man Heisman Race in 2011

It's never too early for Heisman talk, so here we go.

As always, the college football season was very exciting last year, and the best player in Cam Newton deserved to win the Heisman Trophy.

Well, in 2011 we see a few familiar faces back in the Heisman race along with some additional challengers.

With that said, get ready for football season, because kickoff is only a few months away!

Andrew Luck: QB, Stanford

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates after he threw a 38-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Virginai Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miam

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 3,338

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 32/8

COMPLETION PERCENTAGE: 70.7

ADDITIONAL STATS: Rushed for 453 yards on 55 carries, including three TDs.

Most likely the Heisman favorite as the season approaches, Stanford's Andrew Luck not only eyes the Heisman, but a national title as well.

He'll also be scouted as the top prospect for the 2012 NFL draft.

As long as the numbers are roughly similar, Luck's final college season should be one to remember.

LaMichael James: RB, Oregon

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs down field against the Auburn Tigers during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jonathan

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

RUSHING YARDS: 1,731

PER CARRY AVERAGE: 5.9

RECEIVING YARDS: 208

PER RECEPTION AVERAGE: 12.2

TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS: 24

Another familiar face from the 2010 Heisman Trophy race, Oregon's LaMichael James has big-play potential by land or air (if only he could figure out a way to do it by sea; I kid, I kid).

More importantly, he'll be focused on returning the Ducks to the national championship game, but don't be surprised if the Heisman voters lean his way with another spectacular performance on the year.

Kellen Moore: QB, Boise State

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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 06: Quarterback Kellen Moore #11 of the Boise State Broncos looks to pass against the Virginia Tech Hokies at FedExField on September 6, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 3,845

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 35/6

COMPLETION PERCENTAGE: 71.3

ADDITIONAL STATS: Caught one pass for a seven-yard TD.

A Heisman finalist last season, Boise's Kellen Moore could steal the show from fellow QB Andrew Luck with another sensational season.

Also, the Broncos have a decently rough schedule, so the "weak strength of schedule excuse" won't suffice in 2011.

Justin Blackmon: WR, Oklahoma State

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STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 05: Wide receiver Justin Blackmon #81 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys warms up before the college football game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys defe

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

YARDS RECEIVING: 1,782

RECEPTIONS: 111

PER RECEPTION AVERAGE: 16.1

TOUCHDOWNS: 20

ADDITIONAL STATS: Also rushed for 77 yards on four carries and one TD.

The only WR to make the list, Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon returns after winning the 2010 Fred Biletnikoff Award.

However, it may be tough for him to bring the Heisman home since a WR hasn't won it since Desmond Howard of Michigan in 1991.

Nonetheless, with a repeat performance from last year Blackmon should be at least considered. 

Denard Robinson: QB, Michigan

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

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 2,570

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 18/11

COMPLETION PERCENTAGE: 62.5

ADDITIONAL STATISTICS: Also rushed for 1,702 yards on 256 carries, including 14 TDs.

Arguably the most exciting player in college football, Michigan's Denard Robinson grew up before our eyes in 2010.

In 2011, expect an overall encore performance. However, watch him mature under center and become a solid threat as a QB.

The rushing yards will still be there, but for him to truly up his game, becoming a more complete game manager is key.

Darron Thomas: QB, Oregon

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Darron Thomas #1 of the Oregon Ducks scrambles against the Auburn Tigers during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/G

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 2,881

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 30/9

COMPLETION PERCENTAGE: 61.5

ADDITIONAL STATS: Rushed for 486 yards on 93 carries, including five TDs.

Despite the fact that much of the Heisman discussion will be focused more on teammate LaMichael James, Oregon's QB Darron Thomas is just as capable.

That said, it will be difficult without the trusty Jeff Maehl out wide.

Therefore, the more Thomas can dish the ball around like a point guard, the better chance of a double whammy season (Heisman and national championship).

Landry Jones: QB, Oklahoma

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

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 4,718

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 38/12

COMPLETION PERCENTAGE: 65.6

ADDITIONAL STATS: N/A

Last season Oklahoma's Landry Jones came of age and out of Sam Bradford's shadow.

This season, however, even bigger expectations and more pressure will come from the college football world.

If Jones reenacts 2010, the Sooners could not only repeat as conference champs, but also earn another national championship berth.

Marcus Lattimore: RB, South Carolina

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 25: Marcus Lattimore #21 of the South Carolina Gamecocks against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

RUSHING YARDS: 1,197

PER CARRY AVERAGE: 4.8

RECEIVING YARDS: 412

PER RECEPTION AVERAGE: 14.2

TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS: 19

It's been a while since expectations were this big coming from South Carolina.

But with a RB like Marcus Lattimore, only moving up will be accepted by Sir Big Spur and company.

With that said, the Gamecocks will have a lot of pressure both internal and external, so the performance of Lattimore is vital.

Brandon Weeden: QB, Oklahoma State

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LAWRENCE, KS - NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Brandon Weeden #3 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys in action during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on November 20, 2010 at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 4,277

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 34/13

COMPLETION PERCENTAGE: 66.9

ADDITIONAL STATS: N/A

For as great a receiver as teammate Justin Blackmon is, Oklahoma State's QB Brandon Weeden epitomizes that under center.

He definitely exceeded expectations last season after only appearing in four games his first two college seasons.

Thus, it's easy to overlook him with Blackmon outside and fellow in-conference rival QB Landry Jones at Oklahoma.

However, Weeden's efforts should not go unrecognized, as 2011's potential is most definitely Heisman-worthy.

Ronnie Hillman: RB, San Diego State

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 20: Running back Ronnie Hillman #13 of the San Deigo State Aztecs carries the ball on a five yard touchdown run in the second quarter against the Utah Utes at Qualcomm Stadium on November 20, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

RUSHING YARDS: 1,538

PER CARRY AVERAGE: 5.8

RECEIVING YARDS: 68

PER RECEPTION AVERAGE: 7.6

TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS: 18

He's obviously a sleeper/dark horse candidate coming from SDSU, but many of those not aware now will be aware of Ronnie Hillman after next season.

Hillman is also the best back to come from the Aztecs since Marshall Faulk, so although rare, it is good company.

Just be sure to at least check out his highlights throughout the season, because playing for what is considered a West Coast mid-major, his exposure is limited.

Aaron Murray: QB, Georgia

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Aaron Murray #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

2010 SEASON STATISTICS

PASSING YARDS: 3,049

TOUCHDOWNS/INTERCEPTIONS: 24/8

COMPLETION PERCENTAGE: 61.1

ADDITIONAL STATS: Rushed for 167 yards on 87 carries, including four TDs.

In 2010 Georgia freshman QB Aaron Murray had WRs A.J. Green and Kris Durham to target.

Now, despite them advancing their careers into the NFL, Murray should still keep the offense rolling.

He does have Heisman potential, but with his two top receivers gone, it will be interesting to see if he can emerge from good to great.