College Football Predictions 2011: Heisman Candidates to Watch

The Heisman trophy won't be awarded until months from now, but that doesn't mean that we can't start thinking about who will win it. There are plenty of favorites, but there are also plenty of dark horses to look out for.

The clear favorite going into the season is Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. Luck is an experienced quarterback who is ready for the NFL and arguably the most skilled player in the country at his position.

After Luck, there are a number or worthy candidates to contest for the award. Other hopefuls include Oregon running back LaMichael James, Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore, Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones, and Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson.

Even though these are some of the more popular choices at this point, the award is up for the taking by anyone. For now, here are five lesser-known players that will be major competitors in the Heisman race at season's end.

Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

The Heisman is an award that is often given to quarterbacks and running backs, but this year there is a receiver that will definitely be in the mix. Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon is a phenomenal talent and will be a Heisman candidate throughout the season.

While there are many people that have talked about Blackmon being a candidate for the award, nobody thinks that he can win it, because he is a wide receiver. Well, the thing is that he can win it because he is simply that good.

Blackmon was an absolute beast last season, in which he caught 111 passes and 20 touchdowns.

When a guy puts up stats as ridiculous as that, he has to be mentioned in the Heisman talk. It's hard to see a guy having a year better than that, but after another year of training and conditioning, look for Blackmon to improve in 2011.

Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma

If Justin Blackmon can be a candidate for the Heisman, than Ryan Broyles deserves consideration, too.

Broyles is an NFL-level talent and can catch almost anything thrown his way. Last season, Broyles led the nation with 131 receptions and also added 14 touchdowns.

By being a star offensive player on the No. 1 team in the country, Broyles will receive the publicity needed to be a Heisman winner.

Broyles has been a big impact player for the Sooners for three seasons, and he is geared up to have an even better senior season. Watch for Broyles to make some highlight-reel catches, churn up some ludicrous stats, and become a household name early in the season.

Darron Thomas, Oregon

Much of the Heisman hype coming from Oregon has surrounded star running back LaMichael James, but quarterback Darron Thomas is a name that may be in the mix late in the season.

One factor that makes Thomas a big candidate for the award is that he is on a BCS Championship–caliber team. Heisman winners often come from teams that play for a national championship, and Thomas could be back in the championship game this year with his third-ranked Ducks.

What makes Thomas such an important player is the sophistication of the Oregon offense. Thomas constantly has to make reads and tough decisions on whether he should hand the ball off, throw the ball, or run. The importance of Thomas, and the little things that he does for the offense that go unnoticed, may sway a few voters who see intangibles as a major factor in the Heisman race.

Thomas is definitely an underdog for the award, and his teammate LaMichael James may be a bigger candidate at season's end. But watch out for Thomas to put together a solid resume as he leads the Ducks back to the BCS Championship Game.

Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina

Now comes the youngest guy in the list, but that definitely does not mean that you should count him out. South Carolina sophomore running back Marcus Lattimore is a true running back and a name that you will hear all season long.

Lattimore erupted onto the college scene last season when he rushed for almost 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns—pretty impressive stats for a freshman in the SEC.

With the Gamecocks ranked No. 12 in the preseason, a lot of pressure will be put on Lattimore to not only reproduce his production from last season, but also do more. Don't be surprised to see Lattimore blow by his 2010 numbers.

While he may be at a disadvantage by being only a sophomore, Lattimore's talent alone will keep his name in the discussion for the Heisman trophy until season's end.

Trent Richardson, Alabama

And now, here is my preseason pick to win the Heisman Trophy: Alabama running back Trent Richardson. Anyone who has seen this kid run knows that he is phenomenal and will be a household name soon enough.

The problem is that many people haven't seen him run because the past two seasons he has backed up former Heisman winner Mark Ingram.

Even while being the backup, Richardson has posted back-to-back seasons of at least 700 yards rushing. Richardson is also a great receiving back, but this goes unnoticed in the run-heavy Alabama offense. Simply put, when the guy gets the ball, he knows what to do with it.

Richardson averaged an impressive, 6.3 yards per carry last season. If Richardson can maintain an average similar to that with the improved number of carries that he will have this season, his stats will go through the roof.

One of the biggest things that Richardson has going for him is that Alabama always finds a way to have one of the best offensive lines in the country. He will be running behind some big boys and making his way up the field.

Although he's been in the shadow of Mark Ingram for the past two seasons, the Richardson era has begun at Alabama, and it should be a good one for the Roll Tide nation.