College Football Preseason Power Rankings: The Heisman Contenders Part I
Finally, as the talk of expansion quiets down, we can put our focus on the upcoming season and what will happen on the field. In this next series of posts, we will break down the early contenders for the Heisman Trophy for next season.
We have divided the contenders into two different categories, a first and second tier. All of the following names have a shot at being invited to the ceremony in December, but some have better odds than others.
These rankings are in reverse order. So today, we focus on the players longer odds of making the trip to New York in December.
Note: The first player is the top ranked in this group, while the rest of the names are in no particular order.
The 2nd Tier:
Tyrod Taylor – QB, Virginia Tech University
2009 Passing Statistics:
136-243 56.0% 2311 yds 13 TD 5 Int
Over 1,000 career rushing yards
Outlook: Heading up the 2nd tier of Heisman hopefuls is Virginia Tech’s quarterback, Tyrod Taylor. In fact, the Kickoffzone blog probably has Taylor ranked higher than any other pundits out there, and here’s the kicker, we think that he will rise into the first tier once the season starts.
Taylor led the ACC in passing efficiency last year, after 2 years of being known more as a running threat. The Hokies also return their two leading recievers, both of whom averaged over 20 yards a reception last year. Unlike Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor, Taylor has proven that he can excel either throwing or running the ball, which makes him one of the most dangerous players in the country.
If Taylor has the opportunities to shine, we think he will do just that. Working against him is the talent around him. With both Ryan Williams and Darren Evans in the same backfield, Taylor’s Heisman hopes may depend on the Hokies gameplan, and whether or not he is overshadowed by his own teammates again this season.
LaMichael James- RB, Oregon
2009 Statistics
230 carries 1546 yards, 14 TDs
James emerged after the suspension of LaGarrett Blount last season, rushing for over 1500 yards as a freshman. This year he will be relied on even moreso following the suspension and subsequent removal of Heisman candidate Jeremiah Masoli at quarterback. With an unproven signal caller, James should be a workhorse. It also doesn’t hurt that he has an experienced offensive line returning as well.
James will have to prove he can shoulder the load in spite of his small frame, as he is only 5′9 and weighs in around 180 lbs. Another factor is whether or not he is overshadowed by the tumultous offseason the program endured, and whether that will have an effect on the teams overall record.
Christian Ponder- QB, Florida State University
2009 Statistics:
227-330 68.8% 2717 yards 14 TD 7 Int
Ponder was well on his way to putting up Heisman-type numbers before an injury cut his season short last year. He has all the tools of a top flight quarterback, but will have to prove that he has recovered from his blow out shoulder. He also needs to be more consistent on a weekly basis, as blowouts against the likes of BYU will likely damage his chances in the upcoming season. Plus, it remains to be seen how the team will be affected by the fact that Bobby Bowden is no longer on the sidelines or leading the team through the tunnel.
Terrelle Pryor- QB, Ohio State University
2009 Statistics:
167-295 56.6% 2094 yds. 18 TD 11 Int
162 rushing attempts, 779 yds rushing, 7 TD
Unlike almost every other publications or pundit, we here at the Kickoffzone blog are not on the “Terrelle Pryor for Heisman” bandwagon yet. In fact, I have him rated below seven other quarterbacks on my Heisman watch list. If this sounds ridiculous, well… sue us.
In the long run, Pryor has yet to perform with any sort of consistency. He had a solid Rose Bowl performance against the University of Oregon, but his numbers weren’t all that impressive. He’s no Vince Young… yet. In fact, we rate Tyrod Taylor higher, at this point.
In his favor, Pryor probably has more potential than anyone at his position in college football. When he is on, he is an unbelievable football player, showing a lethal combination of speed and arm strength. He just has to prove that he can put it all together on a weekly basis, and much like Ponder, he can’t afford to underperform against the likes of Purdue if he wants to be a contender for the most prestigous, and controversial award in college football.
Josh Nesbitt- QB, Georgia Tech
2009 Stats:
Passing: 75-162 46.3% 1701 yards 10 TD 5 Int
Rushing: 279 Att. 1037 yds, 18 TD
Possibly the most unconventional name to make more than one Heisman watch list is Georgia Tech QB Josh Nesbitt. Not since Nebraska’s Eric Crouch has an option quarterback been a serious contender for the award and Nesbitt may not change that, but he could be rated highly enough to make the trip to New York at the end of the season.
It all depends on how successful the Jackets are. If they make the ACC Title game again, then you can bet that Nesbitt will have had a successful season, and that he will get some consideration. He will need to put up monster numbers on the ground, while staying efficient, if not accurate, through the air.
John Clay- RB, University of Wisconsin
2009 Stats:
287 Att. 1,587 yds 18 TD
John Clay is just the latest in a long line of successful Wisconsin running backs to reach an all-conference level. His numbers are very impressive, and at 6′1 and weighing in at 250 lbs., he’s got Dayne-like size.
Clay has two things going against him. The first is his conference. Wisconsin, despite the fact that they contend for the title on a yearly basis, are always overshadowed in the media by the big market teams. Although it may not be deserved, Terrelle Pryor will get the majority of the Heisman spotlight at the beginning of the season. The second is ”the fact that he is a running back for the University of Wisconsin.” The Badgers always turn out successful running backs who gain 1000+ yards a season. Many voters may feel that he’s just a product of his system, much the way a Texas Tech qb may be the product of their system, which will likely diminish their Heisman value.