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Monday, July 30, 2007
An early look at the Heisman race
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Now that the preseason meetings are over and the teams are heading to training camp, it’s time to start breaking down players by position.
But before we do that, let’s jump into this with a bang. Here is one man’s early look at the race for the Heisman Trophy.
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas: Finished second last season to Troy Smith of Ohio State, so it is his trophy to lose as the 2007 season begins. He rushed for 1,647 yards (5.8 per carry) last season but McFadden also showed his versatility by lining up at quarterback in Arkansas’s “Wildcat” formation, where he completed 7 of 9 passes. That kind of talent captures the imagination of Heisman voters. McFadden’s first big test: Sept. 15 at Alabama. If he can put up a good number against a rebuilding Crimson Tide defense, he will be off and running,
John David Booty, QB, Southern Cal: The mere fact that Booty is the starting quarterback for the Trojans, who will begin the season at No. 1, gives him a big leg up in the race. If Southern Cal runs the table and Booty’s numbers are in the same ballpark (3,347 yards, 29 TD) as last season, he could edge out McFadden for the award. Southern Cal already has three Heisman winners (Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush) since 2002. Some voters may be impressed by the glamour of the position and the school and vote for Booty over McFadden, particularly if the Arkansas team struggles.
Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville: If Booty is the best quarterback in the country then Brohm is a very, very close second. Despite missing two games with a thumb injury last season, Brohm passed for 3,049 yards and 16 touchdowns. He only threw five interceptions. What we don’t know is how Brohm will adjust to new head coach Steve Kragthorpe, who replaced Bobby Petrino. But if he can get near the 4,000-yard mark in passing, he’ll get a lot of votes.
Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers: The country fell in love with Rutgers last season and this season they will fall in love with Rice, who rushed for 1,794 yards in 2006. Rutgers has a chance to get off to a good start as the Knights play Buffalo, Navy, Norfolk State, Maryland, Cincinnati, Syracuse and South Florida before they face West Virginia. Rutgers gets West Virginia at home after a week off. That will be the game where Rice defines his chance for the Heisman. The voters in the East need somebody to pull for. Rice is their guy.
Percy Harvin, WR, Florida: Because of injuries, Harvin only scratched the surface of his immense talent last season. Not enough voters nationally know about this guy so winning the Heisman is a long shot at best. But trust me when I tell you he’s one of the most talented athletes to play football in the SEC in the past 20 years. Urban Meyer told me that he stays awake at night trying to figure how many different ways the Gators can get Harvin the ball. If Harvin stays healthy all season, he’ll be the cornerstone of a Florida team that can make a run at the national championship in 2008.
HONORABLE MENTION:
Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii: Will put up huge numbers in June Jones’ offense, but everybody will be asleep on the mainland while he’s doing it.
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU: I know defensive guys don’t win this award but Dorsey should be considered. He may be the best player in college football, offense or defense.
Mike Hart, RB, Michigan: When Hart stays healthy, Michigan is a very good football team. Wolverines could be a contender for the BCS championship. If Hart equals his 2006 numbers (1,562 yards, 14 TD) he could get to New York.
Colt McCoy, QB, Texas: McCoy was so impressive as a freshman (2,570 yards, 25 TD) that fellow freshman Javan Snead saw the handwriting on the wall and transferred to Ole Miss. McCoy is now ready to have a big year as a sophomore and make a real run at the Heisman as a junior.
Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia: Could get in the top five and get to New York if the Mountaineers go 12-0. Ran for 1,744 yards and 16 touchdowns last season.
