Seven on Sevens – Heisman Trophy Candidates

Seven on sevens is a seven part series where I take a look at some of the best players, coaches, teams, conferences, etc., in all of college football. The second part of the season takes a look at the Heisman Trophy candidates ranging from the odds-on-favorites to the dark horses for the upcoming 2009 season. Enjoy.

The Favorites

Sam Bradford – Junior – Quarterback – Oklahoma
Despite already being the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Bradford has something to prove in 2009 after losing to Florida in last year’s BCS national championship game. Even though winning is his primary goal, expect the Oklahoma quarterback to build upon his gaudy 2008 statistics (4720 passing yards and 60 touchdowns). While the Sooners must replace most of their offensive line and receiving corps, there is plenty of talent on the roster to allow Bradford to have yet another big year. With OU in the mix for the BCS title once again, look Bradford to potentially become the second player ever to win the prestigious award twice. 

Daryll Clark – Senior – Penn State

While he may not have the pedigree of Bradford, Colt McCoy, or Tim Tebow, Clark can be considered a virtual lock to finish as a Heisman finalist this season. In his first year as a starter in 2008, he threw for 2,592 yards and 19 touchdowns in leading Penn State to a Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl appearance on New Year’s Day against USC. Even though the Nittany Lions lose their top three wideouts, Clark has the ability to perform even better in 2009 behind a solid offensive line and an excellent backfield mate in running back Evan Royster. With the Big Ten expected to enter a “down” year as a conference, Penn State appears to be in a class of their own, and as a result, it is extremely likely that they take home the league crown. Clark may not be a top of the line individual player, but it’s difficult to imagine the quarterback of an eleven win or possibly even undefeated Big Ten champion not being a Heisman finalist.

Colt McCoy – Senior – Quarterback – Texas
Colt McCoy will look to surpass Vince Young, as the greatest quarterback in Texas history by not only winning a national championship but by only winning the coveted Heisman Trophy. A year ago, McCoy had a tremendous season , throwing for 3,859 yards and 34 touchdowns. Additionally, the 6’3″ senior also rushed for 561 yards and 11 touchdowns. Combined with his remarkably high 76.7% completion percentage from a year ago, the 2009 campaign will give McCoy his last chance to win the Heisman and a BCS title.

Tim Tebow – Senior – Florida
Despite already taking home the Heisman Trophy in 2007, Tim Tebow looks poised to become only the second player in college football history to win the stiff arm trophy twice. Tebow will have an excellant opportunity to do so, as his Florida team has a wealth of talent, particularly at the skill positions, which bodes well for his chances of winning the award. But what seperates him from the likes of Bradford and McCoy is his running ability. Thus, while the passing numbers may not be as gaudy as the two Big 12 quarterbacks, the combination of his rushing and passing statistics make him a standout quarterback and certainly a Heisman favorite this year. Provided the Gators are atop then polls as expected, look for Tebow to be a near lock for a trip to New York City.

Knocking on the Door

Jahvid Best – Junior – California
Jahvid Best may be the closest thing we’ve had in college football in terms of pure excitement since Reggie Bush left USC back in 2005. But even with his electric touchdown runs and highlight-reel jukes, Best is still one of the nation’s most productive runners, as he is the leading returning rusher from 2008. Many feel that Best, who ran for 1,580 yards in 2008, could be among the best players in the country, and will be the primary reason if the Golden Bears are able to beat USC this year.

Dez Bryant – Junior  – Oklahoma State
Last season, Dez Bryant was likely the best receiver in college football not named Michael Crabtree, and with the Texas Tech standout now playing on Sundays, it appears as if Bryant takes the crown as the top wideout in this year’s class. A year ago, he not only ranked third in the nation in receiving yards but also finished in the top 3 in yards per catch. So with his video game like statistics and the return of starting quarterback Zac Robinson, Bryant is in an excellent position to wind up in New York. 

Jimmy Clausen – Junior – Notre Dame
To be honest, I don’t necessarily think much of Jimmy Clausen as a quarterback. He played at Oaks Christian High School – a very small Southern California high school – against inferior competition and has been rather inconsistent in his first two years at Notre Dame. But with that said, Clausen has two huge advantages going for him. One, the Irish have a cupcake schedule, where the only top 25 team they face is USC. To make conditions even more favorable for Clausen and company, the Irish will play nine of their twelve regular season games within the states of Indiana and Michigan. Two, Clausen happens to be the quarterback for Notre Dame – a team that is constantly in the spotlight with nationally televised games on a weekly basis. While the Irish may not have the same prestige of the 1970s, being the Notre Dame quarterback does still carry some weight.

Jevan Snead – Junior – Ole Miss
Just based on statistics, Jevan Snead didn’t have a terribly impressive 2008 campaign, but he did show signs toward the end of the season that could become one of the better quarterbacks in 2009. Over the final three games, which included LSU and Texas Tech, Snead finished with a completion percentage of 66%. With Ole Miss expected to be favored in all 12 regular season games (note: Florida is not on their schedule), Snead will have an excellent shot to showcase his abilities. 

Dark Horses

Max Hall – Junior – BYU
It’s not unheard of for BYU quarterbacks to take home the Heisman Trophy, just ask Ty Detmer who took home the coveted award in 1990. Hall will likely get a long look from the voters provided he can BYU them to an undefeated season and a BCS bowl appearance. That’s certainly possible provided they can get past Oklahoma early in the year.

Evan Royster – Junior – Penn State
At the end of the day, Evan Royster will get a serious shot at winning the Heisman Trophy, because he will be the starting running back for the likely Big Ten champions. If he can post impressive numbers and play well in big games against Illinois and Ohio State, than expect the 6’1″ tailback to garner plenty of Heisman votes come December. 

Jacquizz Rodgers – Sophomore – Oregon State
If you have any doubts as to Rodgers’s abilities, than just USC. A year ago, Rodgers ran all of what many regarded as the best defense of the country for 186 yards and two touchdowns. If he can build upon an impressive freshman season, in which he was named Pac-10 offensive player of the year, than look for ‘Quizz to be among the finalists.