Heisman

Alright, last week, we talked about the Top 25. This week, it's my picks for the Heisman Trophy Winner. I know that the trophy was given out about a month ago, but we need to talk next year now that all eligible draftees have declared. These are my top 5 picks to win the Heisman Trophy come next December in no particular order:

#1: Samaje Perine - RB - University of Oklahoma - Soph.
At first, some of you may be like, "who?" Let's start with the fact that he is the official starter on Oklahoma. This 5' 11" RB doesn't even sound like a real player. Well let me refresh your memory. Remember how in week 12 of the regular season, Heisman candidate Melvin Gordon broke the single-game rushing record with 408 yards against Nebraska? And how the record got broken the following week? This is the guy that did that. Against Kansas, Perine had 427 rushing yards. Last year, for starting 8 games out of 13, Perine would rush for 1,713 yards and 21 TDs. Let's also remember this, he was a True Freshman in the Big 12 last year. Yes, there were other True Freshman running back standouts like Dalvin Cook (FSU), Leonard Fournette (LSU), and Royce Freeman (ORE). All of them had great years, but Perine can be something special that OU needs to return to their glory days of putting out some of the best RBs in the NCAA.

#2: Dak Prescott - QB - Mississippi State - RS SR
He was #1 at one point this past year, who's to say he can't do that again. Prescott had a decent year last season, having his team ranked at #1 for 5 weeks straight. With key games to put them over the top, including beating Auburn and Texas A&M, Mississippi State looked like they could go all the way this year. The Alabama game would put that idea to bed when they caused Prescott to throw 3 picks. This offseason, luckily for Dak, he is keeping his top 2 receivers and his top rusher. Also, let's not forget how competitive the SEC West was this season, though they were outed as less than good during bowl play going 2-5. Still, watch out for Dak Prescott. He can beat you with his arm and his legs, so expect another shot at the playoffs from a hungry Mississippi State next season.

#3 The Starter for Ohio State - QB - OSU - SR/RS FR/RS Soph.
This season has been quite the Cinderella Story for the Buckeyes. Starting the season with an injured Heisman front-runner and ending with a Nation Championship behind a 3rd-string QB. The biggest story this offseason will now be who will start the 2015 season. Each player has a case to start. Braxton Miller only lost the job due to injury and was still a great QB throughout the 2012-13 seasons, only suffering 2 losses. J.T. Barrett was thrown into the system with less than a week to prepare for their first opponent of the season and still lead OSU to a 11-1 record and breaking Big 10 records before getting injured against Michigan. Cardale Jones had to face 3 monsters in a month with little preparation or playing time under his belt, but still managed to dismantle Wisconsin, outplay Alabama, and out-speed Oregon. All of these QBs have a shot to be the starter and be the Heisman. Urban Meyer has a lot to think about this offseason, because he is basically picking who he wants as his Heisman.

#4 Nick Chubb - RB - University of Georgia - Soph.
When Todd Gurley was suspended for selling signed merchandise, Chubb had to step in. The one thing he did? Not disappoint. Chubb was on fire from the start of his first game against Missouri, where the Bulldogs shutout the Tigers 34-0. Chubb would have 38 carries for 143 yards and a TD that day. Since that start in Week 7, Chubb would have 219 carries for 1,547 yards and 14 TDs. Chubb is a hard player to defend due to being short (5'10") but also having power behind him (228 lbs.). Either way you slice it, Chubb has got what it takes to be a Heisman Candidate this upcoming fall.

#5 That Random Freshman that surprises everyone - ATH - Anywhere University - Student
Over the past few years, we have seen Freshmen show up some of the more seasoned players in College football. Within the last 4 years, we have had 2 Heisman winners who were Freshmen, Johnny Manziel and Jameis Winston. They had great campaigns their first year at school and shock the world with their knowledge of the game or their ability to be cool under pressure or something. He becomes that underdog story that everyone roots for. The downside, when he wins, the media is all over him the following year. Manziel, nor Winston, could get a moment away from the national spotlight because they couldn't leave for the NFL. But you go random freshman!

Note: There will be no post this Friday as I will be at the March for Life in Washington D.C. I will post my analysis of the Top 5 RBs in the draft next Friday. Have a good week and God Bless.