Heisman Watch 2011: Brandon Weeden and Dark Horses That Never Get Any Love

You never see the dark-horse Heisman candidate end up winning, because for the most part, the Heisman winner turns out to arguably be the most well-known player as well.

And not that that's a bad thing, but when was the last time someone won the Heisman, and you went, "Wait a minute. Who is that?"

Obviously their stats are going to be known, but for the following three players they should be in the Heisman race.

However, they are overlooked in favor of the other players at their respective position.

Check it out.

Brandon Weeden: QB, Oklahoma State

It's tough being a QB right now in college football if you want any recognition.

Think about all the big names; Andrew Luck, Landry Jones, Kellen Moore, Robert Griffin, and Russell Wilson to name the most well known.

Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden is every bit as good as those players, but he goes unnoticed as the Cowboys usually go overlooked in the Big 12.

Well, Weeden will end up being a second or third round draft pick (worst-case scenario), but he should also be in the 2011 Heisman race.

Heading into the Texas game, Weeden has compiled almost 1,900 yards, thrown 15 TDs, but does have six picks.

Having WR Justin Blackmon helps as well, but then again, how much success would Blackmon have if Weeden wasn't under center?

Ronnie Hillman: RB, San Diego State

He was a dark horse at the beginning of the season, but then fell off after the Aztecs lost two straight (Michigan, TCU).

Now, San Diego State's Ronnie Hillman isn't going to win the Heisman, but he's practically carrying the Aztecs by himself, and is arguably the No. 2 best player behind Boise's Kellen Moore in the Mountain West.

Heading into this weekend, Hillman had accounted for over 900 yards and 10 TDs, which is a pace that will up his 2010 total.

It also doesn't help being on the west coast team that's not USC, Oregon, or Stanford, but Hillman does deserve to be recognized for his efforts on a mediocre non-AQ team.

Michael Floyd: WR, Notre Dame

Much like Brandon Weeden, Notre Dame's Michael Floyd goes overlooked due to the players at his position.

At WR there's Alshon Jeffery, Justin Blackmon, and Ryan Broyles just to name a few.

And, Michael Floyd leads all of them with 639 receiving yards and 53 receptions.

Then again, it does hurt playing for a team that's currently unranked and started off 0-2.

Nonetheless, Floyd is easily one of the best WRs in the game right now and his starting QB is Tommy Rees, a sophomore that you've most likely never heard of.

Now, not that Irish fans want one, but having a weak defense plays into the odds of Floyd sneaking into the Heisman race, as that just gives him more opportunities to make plays.

Don't be surprised if Michael gets into it, because he is the best of the three players mentioned here.

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