Matt Barkley Returns to USC: 3 Rising Stars with More 2012 Heisman Credibility

It's a good day to be a Trojans fan as quarterback Matt Barkley is returning to USC next season. Of course that not only makes the Trojans championship contenders, but it also makes him a front-runner for the 2012 Heisman Trophy.

The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious award in college football. The trophy winners are among the most elite players. Win it, and your life will change forever.

Before every season, everybody throws out several players who have a chance at winning the award. Some are favorites while others are dark horses who, if they are able to play to their potential, have an outside shot of winning the trophy.

The reality is that there are many talented college football players, but only a handful have a chance of winning the Heisman.

Although Barkley may be a favorite for the award, here are a few other young candidates that may be ahead of him.

Tajh Boyd

Boyd is entering his third season and he had a fantastic season this year. He threw for over 3,500 yards and 31 touchdowns. He also had 185 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.

The Clemson Tigers have a ton of young players returning and this offense is capable of being one of the best in the country.

If the junior-to-be quarterback can limit his turnovers and the Tigers are able to avoid another late-season letdown, consider Boyd a serious Heisman candidate.

Denard Robinson

The Wolverines quarterback is one of the most exciting players in the country and rushes for more yards than quite a few running backs do. With the recruiting class coming in and the help of Fitzgerald Toussaint, he will have a lot more help.

Let's not also forget that the Wolverines open their season with a game against Alabama. If he can get off to a fast start, he'd jump in front of the Heisman race. They also have big games against Notre Dame, Michigan State and Ohio State.

All Robinson has to do is limit his interceptions and he will have a great chance to win the award.

De'Anthony Thomas

Running back De'Anthony Thomas is one of the most explosive players in the country and is a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball.

He had 16 total touchdowns this year and he was only a freshman.

Now with running back LaMichael James heading to the NFL, you can expect him to get even more touches and become more involved in the offense. His small frame is a question on whether he can handle more touches, but the defense has to catch him first to hit him.

With his big plays and Oregon's flashy offense, you can't count out the "Black Mamba."

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers college football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail].