New Heisman Candidates Emerge For 2009

Tim Tebow & Sam Bradford went down early…and hard. [Reinke|AP Photo, Jenkins|AP]—–

This college football season has been enigmatic at best. But the uncertainty has also realigned the Heisman race…not to mention two of the three top Heisman candidates suffered serious injuries early on, and Colt McCoy started off slower than anyone expected.

A new group of candidates has emerged. Ok…let’s not use “emerged”. Based on their performances last season, Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford were placed on the pedestal before the first snap was taken. But now those that were destined to be noticed are getting the attention they deserve. Despite the discernable nepostism in the beginning, we can focus on some new candidates for now.

My Top 5 Heisman candidates through Week 5:

[5] Jahvid Best. There’s no denying his talent. His acceleration is second-to-none. His video game moves are responsible for many broken ankles. (Random stat warning) He’s second among active players in number of career rushing attempts of 70 or more yards [thanks, HP]. But Best’s Heisman run is quickly coming to a halt. Oregon held him to 55 yards and USC to 47 yards…both resulting in only 3.4 yards per carry. Assuming he and his team can get back on track, he’s still worth a top nod. One more poor performance would definitely knock him off his perch. Next opponent: UCLA (3-1)

[4] Colt McCoy. Colt may have had a sluggish start, but the gunslinger is beginning to show his true colors once again. Coming off a bye week, McCoy doesn’t boast the huge Heisman stats in yards and TDs. Despite 5 picks to date, he has completed 71.0 pct of his passes, which is second in the nation. And he’s still sitting on a respectable passer rating of 151.0. Next opponent: Colorado (1-3)

[3] Tony Gerhart. Tony who? Tony “Leads The Nation In Rushing” Gerhart. With 650 yards rushing and 8 TDs, he’s the current pacesetter for rushing yards and only two scores away from the touchdown title. It’s also worth pointing out that the Stanford running back shares a conference with three other names you’ve probably heard: Jahvid Best, Joe McKnight and Jacquizz Rodgers. And don’t forget the exiled LaGarrette Blount. It’s probably safe to say that Stanford is 4-1 as a result of Gerhart’s efforts not to mention they’re #1 in the Pac-10. Next opponent: Oregon State (3-2)

[2] Tony Pike. While it may be surprising to most college football fans that Cincinnati is undefeated and ranked #8 in the nation, it’s more surprising that they’re the highest ranked team in the state of Ohio. While the debate for the best team rages on, there’s no debtate as to which Ohio QB is better. Pike has racked up nearly 1,500 yards through the air resulting in 13 TDs. No. 23 South Florida will arguably be Pike’s stiffest competition. This natoinally-televised matchup will be his best opportunity to impress voters. Next opponent: University of South Florida (5-0)

[1] Jimmy Clausen. Jimmy’s got a gun, and he’s definitely on a run. Despite the fact that the Irish can thank their lucky charms that they’re 4-1 (last three wins by 3, 2 and 7), Jimmy continues to shine brightly beneath the watchful eye of Touchdown Jesus. He boasts the highest passer rating (179.3) and is fourth in passing yards (1,544) with nearly 40% of those coming from playmaker, Golden Tate. But most impressive might be the scarcity of turnovers. He’s thrown 2 INTs to his 12 TDs thus far. Next opponent in 2 weeks: USC (4-1)

Don’t Forget These Guys. When your three sexiest Heisman hopefuls don’t pan out, the Heisman race becomes such a crap shoot. The five guys on the list above might be the most photogenic, but there are a handful that are making their case week after week. Up until last night, Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert had impressed fans and experts with his athleticism. University of Miami QB Jacory Harris reminds me of Pat White — a great talent that just doesn’t seem to attract enough Heisman attention to make a case. If you ask him, he’s definitely made one.

Jake Locker is more than just the signal caller for the University of Washington. He’s their leader…their savior. As he goes, they go. He plays well under pressure and is unphased in big game situations. While he may not garner Heisman consideration, he’ll undoubtedly be one of the most sought after QBs in the upcoming NFL draft.

While Jevan Snead was destined to do big things at Ole Miss, teammate Dexter McCluster has shown why he’s just as important to that offense. Neither will separate themselves as the superstar, but their team better for it. Alabama should give them every opportunity to highlight their respective talents.

University of Houston QB Case Keenum may make the best case to be in that list above. He’s already passed for nearly 1,700 yards and 13 TDs…the only blemishes on his stat sheet are 2 INTs. The Cougs suffered an unfortuntate loss to UTEP last week after two impressive wins against Oklahoma State and Texas Tech. The remainder of their schedule gives Houston an opportunity to bounce back and therefore Case another moment in the spotlight.

Alabama QB Greg McElroy—–

Under The Radar…For Now. Alabama QB Greg McElroy has flown way under the radar. It’s probably because his numbers aren’t eye popping. But his passer rating of 165.5 ranks fifth nationally. Tim Tebow isn’t the only leader to use an eye bulging, red-faced “talkin’ to” to get his team fired up. McElroy used some choice words in their win over Kentucky before leading them down the field on a 97-yard scoring drive.

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