Heisman Trophy Watch: Ranking the Top 10 Candidates Heading into Week 4

Ever since the 2010 season ended, it's never been too early for 2011 Heisman Trophy discussions.

And in addition to that, it's going to continue right along with the season.

That being said, a few players have been in this race since last season, and there are those who have been a part of it since the offseason began.

There are, however, a couple a new names as well, and it will surely cause a debate.

So with all this in mind, here are the top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates after three weeks of college football.

10. Ryan Broyles: WR, Oklahoma

2011 Stats

Receptions: 21

Receiving Yards: 213

Average: 10.1

TDs: 1

He's QB Landry Jones's favorite target and the best weapon the Oklahoma offense has.

Last season, Broyles really came on the scene. Watch for him to really makes strides as the Sooners get into Big 12 play.

9. Justin Blackmon: WR, Oklahoma State

2011 Stats

Receptions: 27

Receiving Yards: 329

Average: 12.2

TDs: 3

QB Brandon Weeden is prone to throwing interceptions, but more often than not, WR Justin Blackmon comes down with the rock.

He was the nation's best receiver in 2010, and this season he finds himself in the Heisman race.

8. Ronnie Hillman: RB, San Diego State

2011 Stats

Rush Yards: 497

Average: 6.5

TDs: 8

Additional Stats: Also has 53 receiving yards on six receptions.

We don't get to see too much of San Diego State's Ronnie Hillman mainly because the Aztecs usually kickoff at 10 p.m. or later on East Coast TV.

That being said, however, he's the best player you've never heard of, and this week Hillman and company play Michigan in The Big House.

Be sure to tune in as it will be one of the few times that he'll be available on most regional networks.

7. Denard Robinson: QB, Michigan

2011 Stats

Pass Yards: 531

Completion %: 49.1

TD/INTs: 6/4

Additional Stats: Also has 352 rush yards on 50 carries, including two TDs.

Although he still needs work in the passing game, Michigan's Denard Robinson is arguably the most exciting player in college football.

Also, the Wolverines are 3-0 this season, and with Big Ten play coming up in a couple weeks, more eyes will be on him.

6. Michael Floyd: WR, Notre Dame

2011 Stats

Receptions: 31

Receiving Yards: 397

Average: 12.8

TDs: 2

Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd has every Irish receiving record in the book.

He's No. 1 in most yards, receptions, and TDs, and Floyd actually has a year of eligibility left.

Can you imagine if he stayed for another year?

5. Trent Richardson: RB, Alabama

2011 Stats

Rush Yards: 315

Average: 6.3

TDs: 8

Additional Stats: Also has 36 receiving yards on six receptions.

I think it's safe to say that 'Bama RB Trent Richardson has easily filled the backfield spot since Mark Ingram left.

And with a new QB under center, as well, combined with Julio Jones's now being in the NFL, Richardson is the main piece to the Crimson Tide offense.

4. Landry Jones: QB, Oklahoma

2011 Stats

Pass Yards: 574

Completion %: 71.6

TD/INTs: 2/2

It was a pretty rough outing for Landry Jones and the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday night in Tallahassee.

However, Jones proved that he is a winner and overcame a tough Seminole defense to help his team win 23-13.

Winning games like that are what great players and great teams do.

3. Marcus Lattimore: RB, South Carolina

2011 Stats

Rush Yards: 534

Average: 6.1

TDs: 7

Additional Stats: Also has 66 receiving yards on nine receptions.

With a flaky QB in Stephen Garcia, sophomore RB Marcus Lattimore is South Carolina's most important player.

WR Alshon Jeffery is great, but Lattimore carries the Gamecocks, and, in any clutch situation, his number is their first choice.

2. Andrew Luck: QB, Stanford

2011 Stats

Pass Yards: 786

Completion %: 67.1

TD/INTs: 8/1

Additional Stats: Also has 47 rush yards on eight carries, including one TD.

A Heisman finalist a year ago, Stanford's Andrew Luck is slated to be the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Obviously, that remains to be seen, but with the Cardinal rolling thus far, the Pac-12 looks like a lock, and there's also still a shot at the national championship.

1. Kellen Moore: QB, Boise State

2011 Stats

Pass Yards: 716

Completion %: 78.9

TD/INTs: 8/2

This is definitely going to cause some debate, but Boise State's Kellen Moore is every bit as good as Stanford's Andrew Luck.

In addition the Broncos have a solid strength of schedule, with Georgia, Toledo (who almost beat Ohio State), Tulsa (a solid Conference USA school), Air Force, TCU, and San Diego State.

Therefore, don't be surprised if Moore wins the Heisman over Luck.

Because Kellen is just as deserving.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

And you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.