3 Reason Why Miami's Lamar Miller Has a Real Shot in the Heisman Conversation

Despite being a sophomore, Lamar Miller is already being talked about as a future high draft pick in the NFL.  

That usually means a player's got some serious talent.  While the season is still young (especially considering that the Hurricanes had a Week 2 bye), Miller has looked like an absolute stud so far in 2011. 

303 yards in two games is no easy feat, and Miller's 184 yards on the ground against Ohio State was a critical part of Miami's dominant 24-6 victory. 

Here are three reasons why Miller is a legitimate Heisman candidate this season. 

1. Effectiveness

Once again, it's only been two games for Miller this year, but he's still averaging a ridiculous 6.9 yards per carry. 

That's a number not seen all too often.  That number is not inflated by just one or two big runs either, Miller received 44 carries between the Maryland and Ohio State games.  

As many expected, Miller topped over 100 yards in both games, and he already has over 300 rushing yards on the season.  

2. Value to Team

In Week 1, Miami ran 49 offensive plays, 20 of which were plays that gave the ball to Miller (18 rushes, two passes). 

In Week 3, Miller had 27 touches (26 rushes, one reception) when the offense ran 54 plays.  

In short, Miller has the play call designed for him 40 percent to 50 percent of the time, and he delivers.  

Without Lamar Miller, Florida has to completely revamp their offensive scheme and likely would not be nearly as big of a threat on the ground.  

3. Consistency

When Lamar Miller got 18 carries, he went over 100 yards.  When he got 26 carries, Miller almost went over 200 yards.  

While Maryland is no slouch, it is not unfathomable for them to give up 100 yards on the ground.  

However, one individual going off for 184 yards on the ground against Ohio State, ranked 17 in the nation coming in, is a pretty rarely seen feat. 

Not like any players or personal changed for Miami between the two games, Miller is just that consistent when he gets the ball in his hands.