College Football 2011 Predictions: 5 Early Favorites to Win 2011 Heisman Trophy

A year ago, nobody would have guessed that Cam Newton would have won the Heisman Trophy. He stole the show in 2010 and easily took home the Heisman Trophy. 

For 2011, the list of potential Heisman winners is bit easier to predict than last year. It's possible that someone could come out of nowhere to win it, but in reality we know the top candidates will be in prime position to win it all.

We're 79 days away from the start of the 2011 college football season, but it's never too early to predict the Heisman winner.

Here are my five early favorites to win the 2011 Heisman Trophy.  

5. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan

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ANN ARBOR, MI - APRIL 16: Denard Robinson #16 of the Michigan Wolverines drops back to pass during the annual Spring Game at Michigan Stadium on April 16, 2011 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Denard Robinson finished ninth in Heisman voting for 2010.

In 2011, Robinson will have a new coach and a new offense to work with. One would think that this will hinder him, however, head coach Brady Hoke knows that Robinson is his star player, which means he won't shy away from letting Robinson dominate.

Robinson threw for 2,570 yards and 18 touchdowns last year. He also ran for 1,702 yards and 14 touchdowns. Robinson set an NCAA record for rushing yards by a quarterback last year. He was second in the nation in rushing behind LaMichael James.

In 2011, Robinson will be airing it a lot more. He will still use his legs to make plays, but he won't be risking injury as much as he did in 2010.

Robinson will throw for close to 3,000 yards (possibly over), and he will rush for over 1,000 yards. His defense hurt him a lot last year, but that will be better in 2011, which will give Robinson more chances to shine on offense.  

2011 is going to be a big year for Robinson. We know that he will certainly put up the numbers to make a case to win the Heisman, but Robinson must win games to get the necessary votes. 

4. 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

Justin Blackmon had a breakout season in 2010. He finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy race, and second in the nation in receiving yards. 

Blackmon was a huge reason the Oklahoma State Cowboys were serious contenders in the Big 12. And because he opted to return to school, the Cowboys will again be a big threat in the Big 12. 

Blackmon caught 111 passes for 1,782 yards. He led the nation in receiving touchdowns with 20. 

In 2011, Blackmon will see more double teams, but his explosiveness and superb route running will still allow him to dominate the field. Blackmon will no doubt be the top receiver in college football in 2011.

Expect another stellar season from the Cowboys' elite receiver. If he can lead the nation in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns, then his shot at the Heisman increases.  

With Brandon Weeden throwing it his way, Blackmon will continue to find the end zone and make his case for the 2011 Heisman Trophy. 

3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Kellen Moore #11 of the Boise State Broncos warms up before playing against the Utah Utes in the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas at Sam Boyd Stadium December 22, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boise State Won 26-3. (Photo by Et

Kellen Moore finished fourth in the 2010 Heisman voting, but he was two votes off of third and eight votes away from second place.

Moore led the nation in passing efficiency with a 182.6 rating. He threw for 3,845 yards and 35 touchdowns. 

He may have lost his top two receivers, but Moore will still be a force in 2011. He is too talented not to have a solid year for the Boise State Broncos.

His accuracy is phenomenal. All Moore needs is for the receiver to catch the ball, and his numbers will be just as good in 2011.

Moore has a tough Week 1 opponent in the Georgia Bulldogs, but if he can have a strong showing against the SEC defense, then it will definitely help his case to be the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner.  

2. 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

LaMichael James finished third in the 2010 Heisman voting, but he was only six votes away from second place. 

James may come in at No. 2 on this list, but I wouldn't be surprised if he easily wins the Heisman this season. He ran 294 times for 1,731 yards, which was good enough for first place in the nation. James also scored a total of 24 touchdowns. 

In 2011 James will once again be the top running back in the nation. There is no doubt in my mind that he will find himself back in New York hoping to be announced as the Heisman Trophy winner. 

The departure of a few players on Oregon's offense means the Ducks will need James to be even more elite. He has a terrible taste in his mouth after losing in the National Championship, and the best way to fix that is to play even better than he did in 2010.

James had three games where he rushed for over 200 yards. I wouldn't be surprised if he beats that in 2011. The kid is on a mission.  

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal throws pass against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Stanford won 40-12. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty

Is this really a surprise? 

Andrew Luck finished second in the 2010 Heisman voting to Cam Newton. Nobody was going to catch Newton a year ago, and it's possible that nobody will catch Luck this year.

Luck was third in the nation in passing efficiency with a quarterback rating of 170.2. He threw for 3,338 yard and 33 touchdowns in 2010. 

He'll need his offensive line to protect him well, but Luck is so good that he can quickly react when the pressure is on.  

Luck is the best quarterback in college football, and if he wins week after week with a new head coach and new top receivers, then he will easily win the 2011 Heisman Trophy.