The Heisman is the most heralded trophy for individual performance in sports. The history and tradition that surrounds it is incredible. However, the process has fallen out of favor to many, as the trophy criteria appears to have been whittled down to simply being the quarterback on one of the top teams during the season.
While this may be true, often times, the teams sitting at the top of the polls are sitting there because of incredible quarterback play. However, that doesn’t mean other positions aren’t left out completely, though it’s really limited to one other. Last season, two of the top five finalists were running backs. Auburn’s Tre Mason and Boston College’s Andre Williams both had incredible seasons, as Williams led the nation in rushing and Mason was the focal point of the Tigers offense that was on their way to the National Championship game.
With recent history in mind, here is a look at our preseason Top-10 for the Heisman.
10. Barry Sanders, Jr. (RB, Stanford)
Sanders’ abilities to compete for the Heisman will rely a lot on whether he can win the starting running back job in fall camp. Sanders is electric with the ball in his hands, and has the ability to make plays carrying the ball, catching passes or on special teams.
In Stanford’s offense, Sanders will get plenty of carries and opportunities in the passing game to get the touches necessary to put up Heisman numbers. And with his explosiveness, he will have at least one “Heisman Moment.”
9. Trevor Knight (QB, Oklahoma)
Knight had a rough start to his collegiate career. He struggled in his first two games against Louisiana-Monroe and West Virginia, then was injured for the majority of the season. However, Knight had his coming out party against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, passing for 348 yards and three touchdowns.
Knight has the potential to finish the season much higher on this list, but for now, he needs to show some consistency; that he wasn’t just a “one-hit” wonder. Expectations are very high for the Sooners, considered by many as National Title contenders, but they will rise or fall on the play of Knight.
8. Mike Davis (RB, South Carolina)
Davis had huge shoes to fill when Marcus Lattimore left for the NFL. Though often injured, Lattimore was the best back in college football when he was on the field. However, Davis has filled the void well.
Starting the season off on national television in the college football opener against North Carolina, Davis rushed for 115 yards and a score, helping lead the Gamecocks to victory. Davis finished the season with 1,183 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns, and has set the stage for a huge season.
With Connor Shaw graduating, Dylan Thompson will be under center. A more traditional-style quarterback that has played sporadically the past two years, Thompson will need a great running game early as he transitions into the role of full-time starter.
7. Brett Hundley (QB, UCLA)
Hundley was viewed by many as a potential top-10 pick for the 2014 NFL Draft prior to the 2013 season, and with good reason. He has a great frame, strong arm, and great mobility. Unfortunately, he struggled with his consistency and decision making, which led to an up-and-down 2013 campaign. After deciding to return to school, it’s time for Hundley to make a big step in his development in 2014. He has a very talented team around him, and the Bruins are in the talk to make the inaugural college football playoff. Hundley will need to make that next step to lead them there.
Statistically speaking, Hundley’s dual threat ability gives him the ability to put up higher numbers, especially on the ground. The offense UCLA runs can limit passing numbers at times, but the Bruins have talented skill players who can make plays after the catch to help pad Hundley’s stats to give him the necessary numbers to be considered by Heisman voters.
6. Braxton Miller (QB, Ohio State)
Urban Meyer’s offense has produced one Heisman-winner, Tim Tebow, and has produced another finalist in Alex Smith. Miller has a nice combination of athletic and passing ability to produce, and the Buckeyes are always near the top of the polls.
Last season, with missing one full game and various drives, Miller still threw for 2,094 yards and 24 touchdowns, and ran for 1,068 more. If Miller can stay healthy, he has a chance to produce insane numbers in his senior season.
5. Myles Jack (LB/RB, UCLA)
Jack has a unique opportunity compared to the rest of the field, as he has the potential to contribute on both offense and defense. He will be the top pass rusher for the Bruins in 2014, with an opportunity to produce 10 sacks and even more tackles for loss.
He only played on offense in five of UCLA’s games, but in those games, he rushed for 267 yards and seven touchdowns, He even won offensive player of the week once, rushing for 120 yards and a score on six carries against Arizona.
It’s safe to assume he will be used sparingly on the offensive side of the ball, but he will probably see more carries throughout the season, giving him a great opportunity to use his talents on both sides of the ball to have a chance at the Heisman.
4. Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia)
Gurley is arguably the best running back in college football right now. His blend of size, speed, and power is second to none, but he unfortunately cannot stay healthy, missing three games in 2013.
Even with missing three games and the second half of the LSU game, Gurley rushed for 989 yards and 10 touchdowns. When Gurley is healthy, he is unstoppable, and has a chance to be the first running back since Reggie Bush to win the Heisman.
3. Bryce Petty (QB, Baylor)
Quarterbacks who play in offensive schemes like Petty are often overlooked due to their high volume of attempts to make big plays, so their stats are viewed as “inflated.” However, Petty isn’t your typical dink-and-dunk air raid passer. He has the ability to drive the ball down the field and to the sidelines, and still completed 62-percent of his passes.
Petty threw for 4,200 yards and 32 touchdowns. If he can avoid games games like Oklahoma State, where he struggled and Baylor lost their chance at an undefeated season, Petty has a real shot at hoisting the trophy at the presentation ceremony.
2. Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon)
Mariota has at the top of Heisman discussions entering last season, and with good reason. He excels in a high-octane offense at Oregon, with his mobility and talent as a passer.
Last season, Mariota threw for 3,655 yards, rushed for 715 yards and had 40 total touchdowns. He did have injury issues, which hurt his odds, and he once again struggled against Stanford and their stout defense, which was huge as one of Oregon’s toughest opponents in 2013.
If Mariota can continue to perform well for the Ducks, and finally break out against Stanford, he will leave voters with no doubt that he’s the best player in college football.
1. Jameis Winston (QB, Florida State)
Although only one player in the history of college football has won two Heisman trophies, it’s impossible to not consider Winston the preseason favorite, as the reigning winner and coming off an incredible 2013 campaign, where he played very well against every opponent, especially on the biggest stages, and led the Seminoles to an undefeated season and a National Championship.
His off-the-field transgressions this offseason could hurt him in the eyes of voters, as many believe the Heisman winner has to be elite on and off the field, but for now, Winston sits atop the Heisman rankings.