Heisman Watch 2011: 5 Darkhorses with Realistic Odds of a Top 3 Finish

Andrew Luck, Russell Wilson, Trent Richardson and Kellen Moore seem to be the four big names that everyone is talking about in the chase for the Heisman trophy right now, but this is a race that has a lot of contenders, and it’s one that’s far from over.

A lot can happen in the second half of the season, and as we’ve seen in recent years, sometimes certain players can catch fire down the stretch of the season and make a huge push to win the award.

Here’s a look at five dark-horse contenders who have a realistic shot of finishing in the top three of the Heisman voting.

QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor

If the Heisman trophy is truly awarded to the “best” player in the country, then it’s impossible not to include Robert Griffin III in the discussion.

Going into the season, the super-athletic star was viewed as an off-the-radar dark horse, but after coming out firing on all cylinders at the beginning of the year, Griffin has now established himself as a legitimate contender.

The dual-threat quarterback has put up eye-popping numbers this season, completing 78 percent of his passes for 1,950 yards and 22 touchdowns.

The only problem is that the Bears are now 4-2 and unranked.

Griffin has a chance for redemption in the second half of the year, though, with showcase games against Oklahoma State, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

If Baylor can pull off one or two big upsets, it will really help Griffin’s chances of earning more votes.

QB Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State is still one of those mystery teams that people aren’t quite sure if they should put their faith into just yet.

The Cowboys are 6-0 and ranked No. 4 in the BCS standings, but they’ve still got some work to do against the likes of Missouri, Baylor, Kansas State and most importantly, Oklahoma, if they want to make their national title dreams a reality.

If Oklahoma State does manage to run the table, quarterback Brandon Weeden will emerge as a serious Heisman contender, especially if he performs well in the Bedlam game against Oklahoma.

Weeden has already thrown for over 2,000 yards and hit 16 scoring strikes and he’s on pace to put up some monster numbers this year.

WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson

Freshman sensation Sammy Watkins has taken college football by storm this season.

After arriving at Clemson with a ton of hype to live up to, Watkins has managed to exceed even the highest of expectations, as he’s turned out to be one of the top offensive weapons in all of college football.

The speedy and explosive receiver has hauled in 46 passes for 728 yards and scored nine touchdowns.

Although it’s highly doubtful that he’ll win the award, if Watkins keeps on wowing voters on a weekly basis like he did in the first half of the season, he’s only going to continue to rise up the Heisman lists, just as long as Clemson keeps winning.

The young freshman definitely deserves some serious props for what he’s been able to accomplish so far.

WR Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma

Even though Oklahoma’s Ryan Broyles is not the best NFL receiver prospect in college football, that title is up for grabs between Michael Floyd and Justin Blackmon, it’s hard to argue that Broyles isn’t the best college receiver right now.

After leading the country with 131 catches in 2010, Broyles is once again on pace to outdo every other receiver in college football, as he now currently has 60 catches for 815 yards and nine touchdowns.

Last Saturday, the senior receiver broke the FBS record for total receptions and now holds the mark with 326 career catches.

Even though it’s almost impossible for receivers to win the Heisman, If Broyles keeps up his current pace, and if Oklahoma makes it to the big game, he should at least expect an invitation to New York City.

RB LaMichael James, Oregon

Oregon running back LaMichael James came into the season as one of the favorites to win the Heisman trophy, and after a slow start, he really turned things on and looked liked he was about to make a serious run at the award.

Then, in a blowout victory over Cal in Week 6, James suffered a gruesome looking elbow injury, and it looked like his Heisman hopes had gone out the window.

James vowed to return to the Ducks this season, though, and after missing last week’s win over Arizona State, it sounds like James could actually make his return this Saturday at Colorado.

Even though he’s played in two fewer games than most of his competition because of the injury and a bye week, James still ranks fourth in the country with 852 rushing yards.

If the speedy junior returns to form, and Oregon runs the table and wins the Pac-12 title, it wouldn’t be surprising to see James right back in the thick of the Heisman discussion.