Race for the Heisman: Who Deserves It?

Name	Position	School	Year	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	Total
Graham Harrell	QB	Texas Tech	Sr.	12	2	0	0	1	69
Colt McCoy	QB	Texas	Jr.	0	11	3	1	0	55
Sam Bradford	QB	Oklahoma	So.	2	1	7	3	2	43
Tim Tebow	QB	Florida	Jr.	0	0	5	6	2	29
Michael Crabtree	WR	Texas Tech	So.	1	1	0	4	5	22
Javon Ringer	RB	Michigan State	Sr.	0	0	0	1	0	2
Jacquizz Rodgers	RB	Oregon State	Fr.	0	0	0	0	2	2
Jeremy Maclin	WR	Missouri	So.	0	0	0	0	2	2

The above table represents the current standings according to ESPN the Heisman Trophy race.  Despite the table above what is it about these players that makes them worthy of the most coveted individual award in college football.

1.  Graham Harrell: His current stats read like a video game.  4000+ yards passing and 35+ TDs.  His QB rating is 169.18.  This kid flat out knows how to throw the football.  Watching Harrell over the course of the season you see a QB who is supremely confident in the system he is running. 

He has a quick release but more importantly makes quality decisions with the football.  His team is never out of a game ie Texas, and with WR's like Crabtree and the elf he is just one pass away from putting six on the board.  There is one aspect that could hurt Harrell's chances of winning and that would be his favorite target Crabtree. 

Harrell is valuable but probably not as valuable as Crabtree for the Raiders (look at the Texas game).  If Harrell wins against OU and the Big XII championship he will leave little doubt about being the next Heisman Trophy winner. (the best passing QB in the country)

2.  Colt McCoy:  His current stats are also very impressive.  3000+ yards and 30 TDs.  His QB rating is 177.  Colt is by far the toughest QB in my opinion on the balloting for this year.  He has had to be in the Vince Young shadow since his first start with the Longhorns. 

I think Texas fans can finally allow Colt to start casting his own shadow.  Colt has a tough road ahead of him and he needs some help from OU (hard to believe that).  If OU beats the Raiders Colt and the Longhorns will more than likely make it to the Big XII title game.  This will only help Colts chances to win the Heisman. 

Colt is by far and away his teams most valuable player.  The Heisman is awarded to college footballs most valuable player.  One other thing to consider about Colt, this was supposed to be a rebuilding year due to all the young, and first time starters (toughest QB in the country).

3.  Sam Bradford:  His current stats are better than Colt's but not close to Harrells.  3400+ yards passing 38 TDs.  His QB rating is 188.  Bradford has to beat the Raiders and hope that win will vault them over the Longhorns in the BCS to land them in the Big XII Title game.  Without a win this Saturday against the Raiders Sam has no chance at winning the Heisman. 

Unlike Colt in the number two spot Sam has a much better team around him.  Bradford has some great touch when he throws a football and he has some talented wideouts to spread a defense out and light them up.  I still like Harrell and Colt to win it over Sam regardless (most steady and consistent QB in the country).

4.  Tim Tebow:  His current stats are not what they were last year but he is on the hottest team in college football.  He has 1900+ yards passing, 390+ yards rushing and 19 passing TD's and 11 rushing TDs.  Tebow is definitely a dark horse in the stats column compared to the three guys ahead of him. 

But like I said earlier no team in college football is more on fire than the Gators.  They have ripped opponents apart and their defense has been stifling.  Let's be honest I just don't think Tebow has the hype this year like he did last year.  Most of the media attention is about the whole offense of Florida not just Tebow.

So in my opinion he might finish third or fourth in the Heisman voting depending on whether or not Harrell, McCoy, or Bradford tank in the last couple of games (most athletic QB in the country).

5.  Michael Crabtree:  78 receptions, 1000+ yds receiving, and 18 TDs.  He will be a top three pick next year if he decides to leave for the NFL but he will not win the Heisman Trophy this year because it will probably go to his teammate Harrell.  Crabtree is a beast, big, fast, and doesn't drop a pass (except OSU last year). 

I think he will get serious consideration next year when Harrell leaves and Talyor Potts takes over at QB for the Raiders.  There is an outside chance for Crabtree to really impress the voters if he smokes OU this Saturday to the tune of 12 grabs 200+ yds and three TDs. 

But for right now you cannot say he is the most valuable player on the Red Raiders.  Sorry Mike (the best WR in the country no question about it).

6.  Javon Ringer: 1500+ yds rushing and 20 TDs.  Javon on a different team with a QB that could consistently throw the football efficiently and he would be a serious contender for the Heisman.  But unfortunately for him he plays in a weak conference this year and his QB has been okay at best. 

But Javon has proven to be the most valuable member of his team and if he can send the Nittany Lions packing this weekend.  However unlikely that scenario is there is no chance Javon wins the Heisman this year.  Besides Javon has a bright future as a first round pick in next years draft (best all around back in college football this year).

7.  Jaquizz Rodgers:  1200 yds and 11 TDs as a freshman.  Not bad for a true freshman.  But let's face it Rodgers might have a chance in two years if the Beavers can beat USC consistently and the PAC 10 can become competitive.  Good back, very elusive and a quick burst.  He is surprisingly durable considering his size (best of the underclassman backs in the country).

8.  Jeremy Maclin:  70+ receptions, 1000+ yds receiving, 13 total TDs.  Maclin is by far the most electrifying player on the list.  He can kill you running, catching and returning the football.  He has world class speed and is your big play threat anytime he is on the field. 

Unfortunately for Jeremy and his Tigers they failed to show up in the big games.  Jeremy would be more highly touted for the Heisman if the Tigers could have pulled out victories against OSU and the Longhorns.  Maclin and Crabtree would probably be in my top four next year (best multi purpose threat in the country).

I will be perfectly honest with everyone if you are not a QB and not in the BIG XII you are not going to win the Heisman this year.  Regardless how the Gators play it is a three horse race between Harrell, McCoy, and Bradford.  I am not much of a QB guy myself when it comes to the Heisman but you have to give these guys some props. 

Each of these QB's have played big time in all the big time games.  Some of them have not come out on top but their stats and poise in those games were still solid.  Now my long shot prediction is Michael Crabtree.  My realistic prediction is this, Raiders win against OU Harrell is your Heisman Trophy winner.  Raiders lose then it comes down to who the voters like more Bradford or McCoy.