Heisman Hopefuls
By Tom Hatfield, Razor Sharp Sports
Every year when I go to write this article, the first thing that I do is come up with a list of potential players that could emerge to be the top college player in the country. Most years there are a couple of players that jump out at you from what they have done in the past, but I always have to go digging to find those young players that will step up their game. This year, coming up with a list was the easy part. Narrowing down the list to come up with a Top-5 was the hard part. Of course, when you have a returning winner, you have to put him on top or near the top of the list. When Tim Tebow won the award last year, the first sophomore to ever win it, it opened the door to many other underclassmen to go after the award. Lets take a look at who may take home the hardware this season.
1. Tim Tebow – QB (Florida) – How can you not put last year’s winner on the top of the list. Last year Tebow set record after record, and with his Gators teammates starting to gain experience, look for Tebow and Florida to be even better this year. Look for WR Percy Harvin to be one of the reasons that Tebow’s numbers are even better.
2. Michael Crabtree – WR (Texas Tech) – Last season, Crabtree was the Freshman of the Year and, I believe only because he was a freshman, he didn’t receive an invite to the Heisman Ceremony. Crabtree set countless receiving records for Texas Tech, the Big-12 and the NCAAs. The return of his QB Graham Harrell should also keep Crabtree’s numbers increasing.
3. Chase Daniel – QB (Missouri) – Last season, the Missouri Tigers emerged as one of the bigger surprises in College Football. One of the main reasons was the arm of QB Chase Daniel. Daniel’s strong arm put the Tigers offense on the map, and his return for his senior year gives Tiger fans plenty to smile about. What gives Daniel something to smile about? Seeing Mr. Versitile Jeremy Maklin in the backfield and split wide gives Daniel that big weapon.
4. Pat White – QB (West Virginia) – If it wasn’t for an injury late in the year that slowed White down a step, he may have won the Heisman, and for that matter, his Mountaineer team may have been playing for the National Championship. White will be without backfield mate Steve Slaton, but he, like the others I have mentioned before, will have some help. Sophomore RB Noel Devine will be a solid compliment to White on offense.
5. Knowshon Moreno – RB (Georgia) – Of the top five players that I have mentioned here, Moreno is the least known. By the end of the year, things will change. Whether he wins the Heisman or not, college football fans will know the name Knowshon Moreno. Last year as a freshman he became only the second RB in bulldog history to rush for 100 yards in five straight games. The other was Hershel Walker.
Other Players to Watch – P.J. Hill – RB (Wisconsin), Sam Bradford – QB (Oklahoma), Chris “Beanie” Wells – RB (Ohio St), Ian Johnson – RB (Boise St), Todd Reesing – QB (Kansas), Juice Williams – QB (Illinois), Graham Harrell – QB (Texas Tech) and James Laurinaitis – LB (Ohio St)
Click here for a free pick from Razor Sharp Sports every day.