By Jackson Wang
Executive Editor
What? How can we already be talking about the Heisman Trophy? Isn’t Johnny Manziel still getting drunk at the University of Texas or giving out his John Hancock to some broker in Miami? Oh right, the last time I checked the NCAA slap his hand and said, “don’t do it again.” And where’s Jadeveon Clowney, is he still icing his boo-boo or is he just not in the mood to play football? Anyways, we’re about halfway through the college football season and here are ten players that have the potential to bring home the Heisman Trophy in December:
10. Baylor Quarterback Bryce Petty
Maybe Robert Griffin III wasn’t really that good at Baylor two years ago when he won the Heisman Trophy. Maybe it’s just the offensive system. Who would have thought Petty could have put up RGIII numbers this season? He has thrown for at least 300 yards and two touchdowns in every game this season. Plus, he’s also taken care of the football, with only one interception, and has led the Bears to a 5-0 record. I got him on my radar.
9. Oregon State Quarterback Sean Mannion
How can you lose to an Eastern Washington team that’s not only a FBS team, but also has an ugly looking red turf field? Well the Beavers manage to do that to open their season, but Mannion has been able steer Oregon State back on track. He’s put the Beavers on a six game win streak, and has already thrown for nearly 3000 yards and 30 touchdowns, as know as, video game numbers.
8. Clemson Defensive End Vic Beasley
Congrats Mr. Beasley, you are one of two defensive players to make this list. Beasley have been a huge force on the defensive line containing the opposing teams’ running game and putting pressure on the quarterback. In all but two games, he has managed to get a sack this year. I’m just glad to see a defensive end actually work hard and want to win games- cough, cough Jadeveon Clowney.
7. Alabama Linebacker C.J. Mosley
Mosley isn’t on anyone’s watch list. So you know where you hear it first if he makes it to New York City. As a freshman, Mosley played in every game at linebacker. As a sophomore and junior, he won national titles and put up Manti Te’o tackle numbers. And instead of turning pro, he came back for his senior year, where he’s on track make over 100 tackles this year. No reason why he can’t be a Heisman candidate likes Te’o. Plus he doesn’t fall for fake girlfriends. Oh, too soon.
6. Louisville Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater
Brigewater is a great quarterback who will do fine in the NFL. But he would be higher on this list if Louisville played in a BCS conference. Oh right, my fault, the AAC is a BCS conference. Who’s in the conference again? Anyways, Bridgewater would also be a better Heisman candidate if he played better against bad teams like Rutgers and UCF to earn style points, which he failed to do the last two weeks. But still, he’s done a fine job, which is no surprise and why he’s not in my top five.
5. Washington Running Back Bishop Sankey
You might be scratching your head and saying “who is the world is this Sankey kid.” Looking him up and you’re looking at a college Adrian Peterson. Sankey is a patient runner that has speed and power. He doesn’t juke, just runs right over opposing players. Sankey is already closing in on 1000 yards this year. Plus, top teams like Oregon and Stanford had a hard time bring this kid down. He rushed for over 100 yards and had two scored in both of those games.
4. Clemson Quarterback Tajh Boyd
I used to think Clemson was all talk every year. But they are proving me wrong this year and Tajh Boyd is one of the reasons. Boyd has a lot of talented players around him and he’s doing a great job using them all. He is such a dangerous player, using his feet or arm to score on seconds notice. But there’s no way he’s going ahead of Jameis Winston who outplayed Boyd in Saturday’s matchup.
3. Texas A&M Johnny Manziel
Johnny’s being Johnny again this year. Looks like the offseason drama and partying didn’t affect Manziel at all. He’s already thrown for 18 touchdowns, while running in six on the season. He’s just playing his game out on the gridiron, leading the Aggies back with his jukes and spin moves. Hey, maybe if the Aggies defense gets a stop or two, we could be talking about a national title for Mr. Manziel, but unfortunately that’s not the case.
2. Florida State Quarterback Jameis Winston
Last year we had Johnny Football. This year we have Jameis Famous. He might only be a freshman, but he’s playing like a fifth year season trying to earn a Master’s Degree. Many people talked about how RGIII had more touchdown passes than incomplete passes after two games back in 2011. Well guess who did the same thing, this kid. And he proves that we can win big time games with a victory over Clemson on Saturday in Death Valley. Just like Manziel, who put himself on the Heisman map with a win over Alabama last year, this could be the game that gets Winston the stiff-arming trophy. Don’t be surprise if another redshirt freshman wins the Heisman Trophy.
1. Oregon Quarterback Marcus Mariota
There’s one statistic that Mariota puts up that really impresses me- zero interceptions. Mariota makes the Ducks run, and do push-ups. Just look at the mascot after each score. He’s a threat on the ground and he’s a threat with his arm, which is causing opposing coaches to suffer insomnia. Just ask Lane Kriffin, who’s probably at the unemployment office in Los Angeles. But as long as Mariota stays healthy, it looks like the Oregon offense won’t be slowing down until Mother’s Day, in 2015. Mariota is only a sophomore and could join a select few as the only second year players to win the Heisman.
