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2010 Heisman Candidates : Maestro's Magic 15

The Favorites

Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh - Yes, Dion Lewis. The sophomore who rushed for 1,800 yards as a true freshman.

Early games against Utah, Miami and Notre Dame will have him in the spotlight in the first month of the season. That is important to get some momentum behind Lewis who will fly slightly under the radar at Pitt. If Pitt were to win all of those games and Lewis goes off he will be the early season media darling.

A new QB could hurt Lewis, but that will also allow Lewis to be the clear go-to player on the offense.

Jacquizz Rodgers , Oregon State- What else can "Quizz" do? This guy is just unstoppable.

He not only rushed for over 1,400 yards as a sophomore, but he also nabbed 78 receptions. Incredible, and it led the country for a RB. Throw in a nose for the end-zone and you have a perfect Heisman candidate.

Jacquizz will also have a new QB under center which might slow his production mildly, but look for Rodgers to be on everyone's Heisman short list at season's end.

Mark Ingram, Alabama - The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has to be on the short list, but I reluctantly placed him on the favorites list. History and Trent Richardson tell me that Ingram will not repeat as the winner of the stiff armed trophy.

Ingram will have early match ups against Penn State and Arkansas to strut his stuff, and as the 2009 winner he will be at the forefront of all college football fans minds. Look for another outstanding season from rock solid Mark Ingram.

Ryan Mallett, Arkansas- The former Wolverine has found a perfect environment to showcase his talents in Fayettville.

With his receiving corp intact from 2009 it would be a disappointment if Mallett didn't put up record breaking statistics for the Razorbacks in 2010.

An early season stretch that includes Georgia, Alabama, Texas A&M and Auburn could all but win the award for Mallett if he lights up the scoreboard in those match ups.

The Next Group

Terrelle Pryor , Ohio State- The Rose Bowl performance has people anointing Pryor as a Heisman favorite, but it remains to be seen if he can be consistent. If he isn't his head coach won't allow him to lose games, and he will be a Heisman afterthought.

Pryor has all of the capabilities to take the Heisman by storm, and with an offense that is almost entirely the same since he stepped onto campus in 2008 it could happen.

An early season tilt against Miami could make or break Pryor's chances to be in NYC in December.

Ryan Broyles , Oklahoma - Receivers don't win the Heisman. True, but Broyles is more than just a receiver.

Broyles hauled in 15 TD's on 89 receptions and was 3rd in the country in punt return average in 2009.

One of the most electrifying players in the game can turn some voters heads with early season match-ups against Florida State, Cincinnati and Texas.

Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech - He would be a favorite if the backfield at Virginia Tech weren't so loaded.

Williams was thrown into the fire as a freshman and he showed that he was up to the task to the tune of 1,655 yards rushing and 21 TD's. Nasty numbers to be sure.

Darren Evans returns and Tyrod Taylor will likely throw the ball more this season. That is enough to keep Williams off the favorites list.

Kellen Moore, Boise State- As the infamous TeddyDupay4 says, "this is the year for Boise State" and it might just be the year for Kellen Moore as well.

He isn't flashy and that might keep him from getting the attention that his numbers deserve. Moore has simply shredded defenses in his first 2 seasons in Boise.

If he can beat Virginia Tech on opening weekend he will automatically spring to the top of the heap in Heisman conversations.

Case Keenum , Houston
- As much as I think Keenum deserves to be a favorite alas I am a realist.
Stat whore QB's get no love from the Heisman voters............unless their names are Ty Detmer or Andre Ware.

Keenum will lead the country in passing again. Keenum might throw 50 TD passes. Keenum will beat 2 BCS teams. Keenum will not be invited to NYC for the Heisman presentation.

The Sleepers

Jake Locker , Washington - Undoubtedly Locker has the talent to dominate a college football game, but he is 8-20 as a starter at UW. If he doesn't win at least 8-9 games he has no shot at being invited to NYC.

Christian Ponder, Florida State - Ponder was having a great 2009 until he tried to play defense. He shouldn't have to make as many tackles this season, and he could easily vault himself up the list with early tilts against Oklahoma and BYU.

James Rodgers , Oregon State- The older of the Rodgers brothers is just as dangerous as his little brother. James totaled over 2,300 all-purpose yards last season, and is a threat to score on each play he is involved in.

Jacory Harris , Miami FL - Giving Harris the benefit of the doubt he probably shouldn't have been playing football with the extent of his thumb injury last season. A repaired thumb and a dangerous group of receivers could put Harris into the fray especially if he lights up the Buckeyes in Week 2.

John Clay , Wisconsin - The reigning Big Ten Offensive P.O.Y. is poised for another big season in Madison. The early schedule is pretty light so Clay may not play a ton in the early season. He will need very strong performances in Big Ten play to get mention for the Heisman.

Noel Devine, West Virginia - A career yards per carry average of 6.5 speaks volumes. Devine is extremely quick and explosive. Breaking in a new QB could force WVU to rely on Devine a lot which could be to his benefit. Early game @ LSU will be a showcase.

COMMENTS

Sweet list. Loved watching Dion Lewis play last season. Great pick.

posted @ Monday, August 02, 2010 10:03 AM by TexNole

Excellent list...I think you can put Pryor up in the favorites...I think this is tOSU's year.

posted @ Monday, August 02, 2010 7:35 PM by TheGreek

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