Florida Gators Football: Does Chris Rainey's Big Performance Merit Heisman Talk?

Three games into the Florida Gators season there is no doubt about who the best player has been.

Running back Chris Rainey has stolen the show with his electrifying runs and big-play potential. Not to mention, he's always one of the fastest players on the field.

This week's Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week had 233 total yards against Tennessee, which gives him 520 on the season, along with four touchdowns.

Rainey has also scored another touchdown on a blocked punt and has blocked a punt of his own, giving him a school record of five blocked punts in his career.

But as we get into the heart of the college football schedule, it is inevitable that Heisman Trophy talk will follow. Popular names like Andrew Luck, Kellen Moore and Marcus Lattimore will be in the mix.

I decided to see what it really takes to be considered for the Heisman Trophy.

According to the official website of the Heisman Trophy, this is what defines a Heisman Trophy winner.

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"The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work."

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In my opinion, Rainey meets these expectations. Of course, he made a huge mistake last season and paid the consequences for it. But he has persevered and has improved his game enough to establish himself as the team's leading running back. He is one of the team's leaders on the field and in a career marred by injuries and suspensions, his hard work seems to be paying off.

He might not be the ideal candidate to be considered for the Heisman Trophy, but if his performance stays at its current level, it will be tough to keep him out of Heisman talks.

According to cfbstats.com, Rainey has the second-most total yards in college football behind Marcus Lattimore (this excludes kick return and punt return yards). He also averages 9.1 yards per play (62 plays total).

He is on pace to rack up 2,080 total yards for the season, which surpasses LaMichael James' 1,939 total yards from last season. James finished third in the voting for the 2010 Heisman Trophy. 

I understand Rainey has only had one SEC opponent so far and there is no telling how he will do against teams like Alabama, LSU and FSU. 

But Rainey has been the team's clear MVP, impacting the running, passing and special teams of the Gators.

I know players such as Lattimore and Trent Richardson look like your typical Heisman Trophy candidate, but don't give up on the little guy.