Heisman Trophy Watch: Robert Griffin and the 5 Top Dark Horses

After four weeks and countless “Heisman Highlight Reel Moments,” we find ourselves nearly midway in the college football season.

Early favorites (Landry Jones, Marcus Lattimore, Kellen Moore and Andrew Luck) have kept their early candidacy hopes alive.

Here’s a look at the top “dark horse” candidates, those who have quietly worked their way into the Heisman talks when no one saw it coming.

As of Week 4, here are the top five dark horses in contention for college football’s most distinguished prize.

5. LaMichael James

I recognize that it’s a bit of a stretch to say that LaMichael James is a “dark horse” considering so many analysts projected James to win the award, but after a poor early performance, almost no analysts still have James in their top five.

Against LSU in the Ducks’ first game, James only rushed for 54 yards on 18 carries for a low three yards per carry average. What most fans don’t realize, or remember, is that James had no chance of success because of the offensive line’s poor blocking.

So far in 2011, James has put up 613 yards rushing (No. 1 in FBS), 159 yards receiving and has been the leading punt returner for the team, taking one back for a score. James has scored nine total touchdowns on the year, and he’s been the most well-rounded running back in the country, even though no one seems to notice.

4. Brandon Weeden

When you’re the hot quarterback on one of the hottest teams in the country, odds are you’re going to be on or near the Heisman watch list.

Brandon Weeden has been absolutely explosive for the Oklahoma State Cowboys offense, passing for an NCAA-leading 1,592 yards while completing 74.3 percent of his passes with 10 touchdowns.

After a huge win this past weekend against Texas A&M, the Cowboys find themselves in prime position to run the table with games against Texas, Baylor and Oklahoma to serve as big stages to climb the Heisman rankings.

3. Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson has silently been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in college football.

In 2011, Wilson has passed for 1,136 yards (ninth in FBS) and has an unbelievable 218.4 QB rating (second in FBS).

The Badgers find themselves in the top five in the college football rankings, and if Wisconsin finds itself in the national championship game, I guarantee you that Wilson will be a Heisman finalist.

This week’s game against Nebraska with ESPN’s College GameDay on site will be the exact big stage Wilson will need.

2. Ronnie Hillman

I really don’t think the average football fan knows who Ronnie Hillman is.

If you’re one of those people, it’s time to start paying attention to this running back from San Diego State.

Hillman is the third-leading rusher in the FBS behind LaMichael James (Oregon) and Marcus Lattimore (SCAR), and he is quietly working his way into Heisman Trophy conversations.

Hillman has rushed for 611 yards with eight TDs and a great 6.3 yards per carry average.

The Aztecs don’t have many high-profile games remaining, so it may be hard for Hillman to become a household name before voting concludes.

1. Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin III has to be the top player on this list. Not many people, other than maybe someone from the central Texas area, projected Griffin to be anywhere close to as dominant as he has been. I’ll give you some stats for context on how great Griffin has really been...

85.4 completion percentage (first FBS)

11.7 yards per pass attempt (first FBS)

11 passing touchdowns (11th FBS)

12 incomplete passes and 13 TDs

236.2 QB rating (first FBS)

Those are just his passing numbers. Griffin has been tearing it up with his unbelievable athleticism, rushing for 167 yards with a touchdown.

Answer me this...how often do you have a quarterback with more touchdowns than incompletions?