Early Heisman Ballot

Nov 27, 2011

With the majority of conference play wrapping up this weekend, Heisman voters will begin deliberating on the most important award in College Football.

This list is not meant to be an indicator of likely Hesiman finalists, but rather an assessment of the most worthy candidates.

#5 – Tyrann Mathieu, Sophmore, DB/PR – LSU

One of the most deserving defensive candidates since Charles Woodson won the award in 1997. While Ndamukong Suh was selected as a finalist in 2009 for his pure dominance, Mathieu should be considered for his game changing impact alone. Set an LSU record for forced fumbled in his sophmore season. Also one of the nation’s best special teams players. Easily the most valuable player on arguably the best team in the country.

Mathieu was not pegged as a Heisman candidate early in the process and this will probably keep him from garnering serious consideration. Mathieu also does not have the pure stats that either Suh or Woodson had in their senior seasons. In one of the most productive years in NCAA history, Mathieu will likely be overlooked completely.

#4 – Andrew Luck, Junior, QB – Stanford

Luck is probably the most advanced and capable QB that College Football has seen in many years. Luck’s numbers are impressive. A 70% completion percentage, 31 TDs to only 8 INTs, and nearly 3,000 yards. However, Luck’s play has been anything but excellent. In addition to playing against mediocre competition the entire season, Luck was simply outplayed by Matt Barkley, and was equally unimpressive in a big loss at Oregon.

Although Luck’s failings this season are mostly due to the unprecedented publicity he received in the off season, he has not had any type of signature performances to impress voters. Luck’s consolation for being a bridesmaid at the Heisman once again: the first pick in the NFL draft.

#3 – Case Keenum, Senior, QB – Houston

After petitioning the NCAA for a SIXTH year of eligibility and recovering from a devastating knee injury, Case Keenum returned in his last year at Houston to put up staggering numbers. En route to setting several NCAA records, Keenum has amassed nearly 5,000 yards and 43 TDs while only throwing 3 interceptions. Keenum still has the Conference USA Championship to bolster these numbers and impress voters.

While Keenum has put up these numbers against mid major competition, he has not faltered all season. This is what gives him the clear advantage over fellow mid major QB, Kellen Moore. Keenum does not have the arm, mobility, or mental acumen than Andrew Luck does and that is why he will not be drafted in probably the first or second round come April. However, his play has been unstoppable and makes Luck’s performances look pedestrian even coming against weak competition.

#2 – Trent Richardson, Junior, RB – Alabama

More yards per games than Mark Ingram in 2009. More touchdowns than Mark Ingram in 2009. An invaluable asset for an Alabama team with an rookie QB. Richardson is the total package. Versatile, durable, and an excellent blocker. Undervalued coming out of the backfield as a receiver as well.

If Alabama had defeated LSU and Richardson had found the end zone in that game he would be a virtual lock for the Heisman. Since individual talent is too often aligned with team success in the current voting regime, Richardson’s chances are not nearly as secure than if Alabama had prevailed over LSU.

#1 – Robert Griffin, III, Senior, QB – Baylor

Few players in recent history have such a meteoric rise to Heisman consideration. Robert Griffin has completely transformed a Baylor team that had not been to a bowl game in 16 seasons before he came to campus. In the beginning of the season, Griffin played virtually flawless, completing an unearthly 85% percent of his passes. Griffin would stabilize upon entering Big XII play, but his presence would continue to carry the Bears.

No player is more valuable to his team than Griffin. While his numbers are not nearly as prolific as Keenum’s stats, his play has been undeniably better. Griffin has done it all, throwing, running, and catching touchdowns for his team. Griffin was already an NCAA champion as a freshman at Baylor in the 400 meter hurdles. Griffin also has the least talented supporting cast of any of his competitors. While others have better numbers and more successful teams, anyone who has watched Robert Griffin III this season has seen that he is the best college football player in America.

Honorable Mention:

Kellen Moore, Senior, QB – Boise State, Poor play against TCU and weak competition lower his stock in a talented QB year.

Monte Ball, Junior, RB – Wisconsin – Insane productivity, but not nearly as impressive as Richardson. Product of a talented offensive line and Bret Bielema padding late game scores.

LaMichael James, Junior, RB – Oregon – Productivity never declined for last year’s finalists. Tough, versatile, and great top end speed.

Russell Wilson, Senior, QB – Wisconsin – Incredibly efficient and a great leader. Had costly turnovers against MSU and OSU. Numbers not as impressive as other QBs

Justin Blackmon, Junior, WR – Oklahoma State – Nation’s best receiver had a much more impressive 2010 season.