College Football Rankings 2011: Ranking the Heisman Candidates from Coaches Poll

Now that the USA Today Top 25 Coaches Poll has been released, it gives us an opportunity to look at many aspects of those teams that have cracked the initial Top 25.

One of those aspects is looking at the top Heisman Trophy contender on each ranked team.

While everyone may know the names of contenders such as Andrew Luck and Landry Jones, not all of the names on this list are household names.

With that being said, let's dive into Power Ranking the Heisman contenders on each ranked team.

25. Derek Moye, Penn St.

Moye has already established himself as one of the better wide receivers in the Nittany Lions long history and can make strides to becoming one of the top players at his position in 2011.

Coming off of a pair of seasons that saw him combine for 101 receptions for 1,670 yards and 14 touchdowns, Moye could put together a solid statistical season if the Lions get consistent quarterback play.

24. Garrett Gilbert, Texas

It's been close to two years since Gilbert was thrust into duty in the BCS Championship Game in place of an injured Colt McCoy. In his first season as a starter, Gilbert did very little to impress, but now as an upper classman he has a chance to show people what he's really about.

He threw seven more picks than touchdowns a season ago and was a major reason why the Longhorns didn't head to a bowl game in 2010 after years of playing in major bowls.

Gilbert has stiff competition from freshmen Connor Wood and David Ash, but Longhorns head coach Mack Brown likes Gilbert. If he learns to take care of the ball and leads Texas back to a major bowl, Gilbert's name could be thrown into the Heisman mix at the end.

23. James Franklin, Missouri

Franklin may be a real long shot, but he has the athleticism and speed that could see him put together a solid season.

The sophomore signal caller saw the field last year mostly in wildcat situations and could become the next of a solid string of Missouri quarterbacks.

With his speed and ability to run, it's hard not to draw comparisons to another former Tigers quarterback in Brad Smith.

22. Vick Ballard, Mississippi St.

Ballard is a touchdown machine, who hit pay-dirt 19 times on the ground last season. He is one of the top-tier BCS running backs and could put together a big season.

One thing holding him back when it comes to Heisman talk is the Bulldogs tendency to play tight defensive battles, which wouldn't make him a sexy pick to voters. However, if Ballard could take a run at the SEC's single season rushing touchdown record (23 by Tim Tebow), his name will be in the mix.

21. Jordan Hall, Ohio St.

Hall is one guy in the nation to really keep an eye on. With missing so many players the first five games of the season, the Ohio St. depth chart will be on display.

Hall will get the opportunity at tailback and can also make an impact catching the football and returning kicks. If he gets off to a strong start, expect him to remain a focal part of the Buckeyes offense after Week 6.

20. Ed Wesley, TCU

Wesley should put together close to a 1,000 yard season and possibly double-digit touchdowns in 2011; however, he will have to hold off Matthew Tucker who had a very good spring.

No matter which guy gets the ball the most, a big season could be on hold if the very young TCU offensive line doesn't perform and get the ground game on track.

19. David Wilson, Virginia Tech

Similar to Wesley, Wilson could be a little higher on the list if it weren't for offensive line concerns. Wilson could be pencilled in for a possible 1,000 yard, 10-touchdown type of season, but a strained left pectoral muscle to right tackle and preseason All-ACC selection Blake DeChristopher could keep him out four to six weeks.

Virginia Tech's offensive line depth will be on display right away.

18. James White, Wisconsin

I was tempted to go with Russell Wilson here but even though he will be the Badgers new signal caller, I still like what the Wisconsin ground game brings to the table.

When talking Wisconsin running backs for the 2011 season, one can flip a coin between White and Montee Ball. Either guy can have a big year and both men likely will.

While Ball may likely begin the season as the starter, I expect White to continue his rise up the Badgers depth chart and have a huge season.

17. Michael Dyer, Auburn

There is no Cam Newton this year so the Auburn offense may not be as potent, but should still be a good one.

Dyer and Onterio McCalebb will receive the bulk of the carries early on and if Auburn can hang in there in the very tough SEC, Dyer will be a big part of that.

16. Taylor Martinez, Nebraska

Martinez bulked up in the offseason after a successful freshman campaign. Not only is he bigger than in 2010, he has appeared to have taken on more of a leadership role in the Huskers offense.

The Big Ten season could be a grind though for Martinez, so there is no guarantee his numbers rise dramatically.

15. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

Texas A&M cracks the Top 10 and their quarterback is a major part of why the Aggies could have a big season.

Tannehill is one guy that could quietly sneak up the Heisman board if the Aggies continue to win. While he is set on being the starter, also keep an eye on freshman Johnny Manziel, who could take away some reps if the Aggies fall out of contention.

14. John Brantley, Florida

I don't envy Brantley for having to step into Tim Tebow's shoes last season. Granted, while things didn't go as planned, Brantley settled in more as the season went along.

If Brantley can get the Tebow and Urban Meyer distractions away from him and just focus on playing football, he could have a productive 2011 campaign.

Brantley could really flourish under the direction of offensive coordinator Charlie Weis and I wouldn't be surprised to see him post a 3,000 yard, 30 touchdown season.

13. Aaron Murray, Georgia

Murray is very talented and should be poised to have a solid 2011 season. One drawback to Murray could be the Georgia receiving core. While there is no doubt that the Bulldogs will be talented on the outside, replacing A.J. Green will be no easy task.

With no go to guy available, someone will have to step up and make some plays for Murray.

12. Russell Shepard, LSU

Shepard is still under scrutiny from the NCAA, but he's in camp and off to a very good start. Senior quarterback Jordan Jefferson should be poised to have a big season and getting the ball often to Shepard should help the LSU cause.

Usually always in title contention, Shepard can be the one difference maker in the LSU offense. If he has a big year, his name can remain in the Heisman mix.

11. E.J. Manuel, Florida St.

Manuel is a good young signal caller that has the Seminoles ranked in the Top Five to begin the year. Manuel is ready to be the motor of Jimbo Fisher's offense and he can have a very big season.

He's an oddity of sorts that stands 6'5", 235 lbs and can perform well from the pocket, yet he's very good on his feet as well.

Manuel has studied under Christian Ponder since 2008 so he should be ready to take the reigns of the Florida St. offense.

10. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

Now that his suspension has been lifted, Floyd can get back to being the main weapon in the Irish offense.

Floyd caught 79 passes for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns a season ago and I'd expect a modest increase in all categories in 2011.

Troubles aside, Floyd is one of the better pure wide receivers in the NCAA today.

9. Kirk Cousins, Michigan St.

Cousins put up a decent 2010 season, throwing for over 2,800 yards and 20 touchdowns. There are concerns on the offensive line for the Spartans, but all indications point to Cousins improving on those numbers in 2011.

Winning some big games could help as well. For a guy like Cousins to sneak into the Heisman race, Michigan St. will have to win some big games against conference foes and contend for the Big Ten title.

8. Knile Davis, Arkansas

Davis had a very good 2010 season, racking up over 1,300 yards, despite not getting double-digit carries until the Razorbacks' fifth game of the year.

Now that he's the starter, the numbers could be off the charts, especially if Davis can prove he's an every down back.

7. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma St.

Blackmon had an eye opening sophomore year, catching 111 balls for close to 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns. He's likely only to get better and that means he could post scary numbers.

He won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver and likely should be the top candidate again. With quarterback Brandon Weeden returning for his senior season, the Cowboys offense could be a fun one to watch.

6. Kellen Moore, Boise St.

Moore is as an accurate quarterback as I've seen in a long time. His decision making is impeccable and he spreads the ball all over the field.  It has to be a nightmare to game plan against him.

The Broncos will likely be in the BCS mix once again so Moore's name will be thrown around. It's scary to think about how many yards and touchdowns he will finish his career with.

5. Trent Richardson, Alabama

Richardson will carry the load for the Tide and could have a spectacular season. He rushed for 700 yards a season ago spelling former Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram. Now as the main ball carrier in Nick Saban's offense, the rushing yards could realistically double.

4. LaMichael James, Oregon

Oregon has led the Pac-10 in rushing and total offense the past four seasons and now that it's the Pac-12, I'd expect something similar.

Heisman voters like big numbers and James will put those up in Chip Kelly's explosive offense. For James to win the award, it may take something similar to last season's 1,731 yard and 21 touchdown performance, something he's more than capable of delivering.

3. Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina

Lattimore put up a solid freshman season in 2010 and it looks like bigger things are ahead of him. He's more of a bruising runner, which usually wouldn't bode well in a conference filled with speed like the SEC, but Lattimore has the chance to drastically increase the 1,197 yards and 17 touchdowns he rushed for a season ago.

2. Landry Jones, Oklahoma

Jones would be a good early bet to win the Heisman. The Sooners are ranked No.1 to start the season and Jones has the ability to keep them there.

Jones threw for a whopping 4,718 yards and 38 touchdowns a season ago and has already put together two very good seasons at Oklahoma. On numbers alone, Jones could likely win the award. This year is as good as any if he keeps the Sooners in the title picture.

1. Andrew Luck, Stanford

Luck is the likely preseason favorite and I will keep him there for now. Luck needs to put up at least similar numbers to the 3,338 yards and 32 touchdowns he threw for a season ago, but it won't be easy.

Everyone talks about how the loss of head coach Jim Harbaugh will effect the senior signal caller, but the more important issue could be who is going to replace wide receivers Ryan Whalen and Doug Baldwin.

Someone is going to have to step up and make plays alongside Chris Owusu to give Luck a chance at winning the trophy.