Wait 'til Next Year: Denard Robinson and 9 Other 2012 Heisman Frontrunners

Whether you like Andrew Luck, Trent Richardson or Kellen Moore, the 2011 Heisman Trophy picture is becoming very clear.

But it's never too early to consider who the front runners will be in 2012.

You have to make a few assumptions, like Luck, Richardson and LaMichael James won't be around again.

So who does that leave? Well, naturally Michigan's Denard Robinson, who has been in the conversation the past two seasons.

Keep reading to see who else will start the season near the top of the Heisman list.

Sammy Watkins, Clemson

Sammy Watkins is on the verge of breaking a number of ACC records for a freshman receiver, and many consider him the best freshman in the nation.

You could also argue he's the best player in the country right now.

He catches everything Tajh Boyd throws his way, and he also a threat returning kicks. He's returned one kickoff for a score this season.

If eligible, Watkins would likely be a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Instead, he will be one of the more exciting college players again.

Sammy Watkins' 2011 Statistics

Receptions: 54

Yards: 819

Touchdowns: 9

Tajh Boyd, Clemson

Let's stay with Clemson.

It's always tough when a school has two Heisman-quality players since they usually split votes.

But right now you have to give quarterback Tajh Boyd serious consideration. After back-to-back so-so starts to begin the season, Boyd has been on fire.

Boyd started the season by getting booed by his own fans. Now he's the toast of the town.

He could bring a Heisman to Clemson as well.

Tajh Boyd's 2011 Statistics

PA-C-INT: 278-172-3

Yards: 2,379

Touchdowns: 24

Tyrann Mathieu, LSU

Ah, the Honey Badger.

LSU's Tyrann Mathieu has been a one-man wrecking crew all season. Of course, a suspension last week hurt his production, but we all forgive and forget pretty quickly.

He's a long-shot because the Heisman almost never goes to a defensive player.

But Mathieu does return kicks, and he seems to be a media favorite. So there will be votes out there for the Honey Badger next year.

Tyrann Mathieu's 2011 Statistics

Tackles: 42

Sacks: 1.5

Interceptions: 2

Fumble Recoveries: 3

Robert Griffin III, Baylor

It seems like Robert Griffin III has been at Baylor for about 12 years. But he's a red-shirt junior and will more than likely return next season.

If Baylor can keep winning this season and get a bowl victory, Griffin can carry some momentum into 2012.

Of course, he'll need to match his amazing numbers again. Really, 22 touchdowns and only two interceptions? That's impressive.

Robert Griffin III's 2011 Statistics

PA-C-I: 183-143-2

Passing Yards: 1,950

TDs: 22

Rushing Yards: 295

Geno Smith, West Virginia

WVU's Geno Smith is coming off a rough game against Syracuse last week, but after a season in Dana Holgorsen's offense it's easy to project even bigger things in 2012.

Smith isn't quite to the level of Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden or Houston's Case Keenum—both Holgorsen success stories.

The Mountaineers would need to go undefeated or Smith would have to put up freakish numbers to be a legitimate candidate.

Let's face it, no one takes the Big East too seriously these days.

Geno Smith's 2011 Statistics

PA-C-I: 299-189-5

Passing Yards: 2,497

TDs: 18

Michael Dyer, Auburn

One thing working in Michael Dyer's favor is the simple fact Auburn should be a serious SEC contender again in 2012.

Dyer is a big reason why, since he's one of the league's best backs. He'll remain the best if South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore can't return to form right away after his season-ending knee injury.

Dyer is a fast and powerful runner who is is going to get a ton of carries from Gene Chizik.

He just may bring back memories of Bo Jackson.

Michael Dyer's 2011 Statistics

ATT: 159

Yards: 812

TDs: 8

Darron Thomas, Oregon

Darron Thomas' value to Oregon's offense goes well beyond the numbers.

He's Chip Kelly's leader and coach on the field.

Thomas is a great athlete and with the Ducks remaining an elite program, Oregon's quarterback has to be in the Heisman conversation.

Darron Thomas' 2011 Statistics

PA-C-I: 150-92-3

Passing Yards: 1,227

TDs: 17

Rushing Yards: 116

Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois

Nathan Scheelhaase's last two weeks have not been his best, but Illinois' young quarterback is growing under offensive coordinator Paul Petrino.

Scheelhaase should be a much stronger passer next season, and he will still have those wheels to get away from defenders.

The big question is: Can a player win the Heisman with Ron Zook as his coach?

Nathan Scheelhaase's 2011 Statistics

PA-C-I: 189-122-5

Passing Yards: 1,624

TDs: 11

Rushing Yards: 412

Landry Jones, Oklahoma

Landry Jones may leave early for the NFL, but maybe the lure of playing for that elusive BCS Championship is enough to bring him back for his senior year.

Jones is a legitimate candidate this year and if he returns next year, he may start the season as the overall favorite.

Of course, Jones and his Oklahoma teammates need to figure out a way to always blow one game they should win each season.

Landry Jones' 2011 Statistics

PA-C-I: 308-201-7

Passing Yards: 2,589

TDs: 21

Denard Robinson, Michigan

If Denard Robinson and Michigan can put together a complete season, then the Wolverines quarterback will remain a legitimate Heisman candidate all season in 2012.

Robinson's candidacy relies heavily on his big-play ability and the highlight plays he delivers on a regular basis.

It will be fun to watch Shoelace in his final season.

Denard Robinson's 2011 Statistics

PA-C-I: 141-76-10

Passing Yards: 1,253

TDs: 11

Rushing Yards: 762 yards