The Heisman

End of the Season Projections

Perhaps the most decorated award in all of college sports, the heisman trophy is awarded annually to the most outstanding college football player. Athletes must show talent and leadership on the field while also showing hard work and dedication in the classroom. The last few winners have all been quarterbacks and that won’t be changing this year, here is my projected winner and finalists.

1. Winner: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

Season stats: 186-277, 2,780 yards, 29 TDs, 2 INTs; 89 carries, 524 yards, 8 TDs

Mariota is my favorite to win the heisman due to how productive he’s been as not only passer, but runner too. He’s a great decision maker and knows when to pass or tuck it and run, which is why he leads the FBS with a QB rating of 184.56. His touchdown to interception ratio shows how high his football IQ is, oh and he’s also caught a pass for a touchdown this season. He’s led his team to a 9-1 record so far, so I highly expect them to win the Pac-12 and clinch a spot in the new college football playoffs.

2. Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Season stats: 198 carries, 1501 yards, 19 TDs; 11 catches, 83 yards, 2 TDs

Last week Gordon was third on my heisman list but after his record setting 408 yard performance  this week, I expect him to finish second. He has rushed for over 100 yards in all but one game this season and leads the nation in yards. He has also led a mediocre Wisconsin team to an 8-2 record but the main reason I don’t have him first is the strength of schedule compared to Mariota and Oregon.

3. Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State

Season stats: 146-239, 2,231 yards, 18 TDs, 7 INTs; 143 carries, 779 yards, 11 TDs

I had to move Prescott down a spot this due to his poor performance against Alabama this week. Before this game he had led Mississippi St. to the number one spot in the nation with an undefeated record. He reminds me of former heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow due to his size and ability to run through tacklers. I expected him to have a huge game against Alabama which would've had him competing for the top spot with Mariota, and he and his team have still had an excellent season but he came up just short in the heisman race. 

4. Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU

Season stats: 203-350, 2,691 yards, 23 TDs, 4 INTs; 111 carries, 546 yards, 7 TDs

I don’t think Boykin was anyones preseason or even midseason heisman list. He and his TCU team have been some of the biggest surprises this season and I don’t see them slowing down anytime soon. He’s a do it all kind of guy and has recently burst onto the scene with impressive highlight plays and big games against ranked opponents. His team is 9-1 and if he continues to lead his team to victories, they’ll most likely be in the mix come playoff time.

5. Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Season stats: 79 catches, 1,215 yards, 10 TDs 

Cooper has done nothing but make huge plays since he put on an Alabama jersey and that has continued this season. He’s the best receiver in the nation who causes problems for every defense he faces, and has also broken multiple school records. It’s difficult for a receiver to win the heisman without making plays in other ways, such as kick or punt return, so that’s what why Cooper isn’t a favorite to win this season.

6. J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State

Season stats: 150-233, 2,156 yards, 26 TDs, 7 INTs; 119 carries, 582 yards, 8 TDs

Before the season started nobody had ever heard of J.T. Barrett. He’s a freshman who was suppose to backup then heisman favorite Braxton Miller, but when Miller had shoulder surgery which caused him to miss to the season, it was Barrett’s time to shine. He’s played remarkable leading Ohio State to a 9-1 record but has made just a few freshman mistakes which caused him to drop on this heisman list. This won’t be the last we hear of Barrett though and I’m sure it’ll be a heated quarterback battle next season when Miller is healthy.

7. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

Season stats: 196-294, 2540 yards, 17 TDs, 11 INTs; 35 carries, 60 yards, 3 TDs

Last years heisman winner and early season favorite, Winston’s season has been a disappointment, on and off the field. His team is 10-0 so far but Winston hasn’t looked the same as he was his freshman year. Could his off field distractions which cause him to be suspended a game this season be the problem? I’m not sure but I do know that even though his play hasn’t been the same, there’s still a great chance his team can repeat as national champions. He may not be many peoples favorite but he still has made a case to be put on heisman watch.

8. Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska

Season stats: 186 carries, 1250 yards, 17 TDs; 13 catches, 169 yards, 2 TDs

Abdullah has quietly put up big numbers this season and is probably the most underrated heisman candidate. Nebraska hasn’t played in very many big games but they’ve relied on Abdullah to lead them to an 8-2 so far. Being in the same conference as Gordon it’s been tough for Abdullah to get the notoriety he deserves, but he’s been able to make a case as a heisman candidate and consideration as a top running back in the nation.

In The Hunt:

Duke Johnson, RB, Miami (FL); Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor; Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA; Everett Golson, QB,

By Cody Williams