Heisman Hopefuls

www.collegefootballfever.com — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:20:46 +0000

Sure it’s still summer, but by the laws of sheer chronology, that means all the inner-squad Spring games have all come and gone, making it the perfect time to take an early look at the favorites to be invited to New York come December.

Dion Lewis Last year’s third leading rusher in the nation didn’t lose a fumble all season, proving more than enough to fill the shoes of LeSean McCoy. Pittsburgh’s youngster also has a distinct advantage; for three consecutive seasons the Heisman trophy has gone to a sophomore. Lewis is hands down the most proven second year player in the nation, and has shown up big in big games so far in his career.
Ryan Mallett Everyone knows Heisman voters favor the quarterback position, but with a relatively weak crop of QBs in 2010, Mallett stands as one of the lone true signal calling contenders. Entering his second season as the Razorbacks QB, he should improve upon an already impressive first year that has the struggling Michigan fans lamenting the day he left campus.
Jacquizz Rodgers As the Pac-10 looks at a rebuilding year with the demise of USC, Rodgers is ready to tear up an easier conference schedule. Having already eclipsed 1,000 yards in his first seasons, look for Oregon State’s dual-threat speedster to put up career high numbers across the board.
Mark Ingram The only man in college football with Ed Smith’s bronze body already under his belt, Ingram might be the most familiar name on this list. However, only Archie Griffin has ever pulled off the Heisman double down, making chances of Ingram actually adding a second statue slim to none. Win or lose, the Alabama RB is a sure thing to at least receive an invite.
Terrelle Pryor This pick is more on potential than anything displayed on the field last season. The former top recruit in the nation has as much natural talent as anyone in the country and leads an Ohio State team that is certain to win a lot of games. With very few legitimate candidates under center, a breakout season from Pryor could be enough to take home the trophy.

The SEC in the Post-Tebow Era

www.collegefootballfever.com — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:09:49 +0000

Since what seems like much longer than just 4 years ago, SEC coverage has been dominated by conference poster boy Tim Tebow. Now that the former Florida quarterback has finally moved on to the NFL, here is a look at a few guys ready to bear his torch as the SEC’s favorite son and media darling (it should be noted defensive players are almost always shortchanged by mainstream media, thus excluded from this list).

Mark Ingram (Alabama) Though a lot of college football fans agree he is more a product of the system, than an elite talent, that doesn’t override the fact he is the first ever Heisman Trophy winner from one of the most storied programs in college football history. The Crimson Tide will most certainly be singing his praises from every molehill in Alabama as he sets out to be the first repeat winner since Archie Griffin.
Ryan Mallet (Arkansas) Any lists of potential camera hogs wouldn’t be complete without at least one signal caller, and who better to fill up the spotlight than a 6’7” quarterback? A Michigan transfer, Mallet benefited from his mandatory year off, pacing the SEC with a 56 completion rate, despite some struggles against big time competition. With another year under his belt, the Razorback big man still has a lot of room to grow (figuratively).
Julio Jones (Alabama) Ingram’s less nationally acclaimed teammate down in Tuscaloosa might actually be the most talented guy in the offense. With his T.O.-esque build, great hands and top end speed, Jones came into college with as much hype as any recruit in the country. While the young wide-out struggled with some injury and inconsistency issues in his sophomore campaign, Jones is second to none in sheer potential and athletic ability.
A.J. Green (Georgia) If Jones is Terrell Owens, Green is Randy Moss. Thankfully neither receiver has shown similar headcase symptoms to their NFL prototypes. Once the Dawgs get a little more consistency under center, Green will present a serious matchup problem, running past and jumping over most undersized college cornerbacks.
Washaun Ealey (Georgia) In an understudy role to Denver Broncos’ tailback Knowshon Moreno, Georgia’s other “Sean” still showed why some scouts touted him as Bulldog’s RB recruit since Herschel Walker. Georgia should still stick to a two back system with Caleb King also in tow, but for skeptics saying this will limit his individual attention, just take a look back to the top of this list.

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Heisman Hopefuls

The SEC in the Post-Tebow Era