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The Heisman Trophy is most prestigious individual award in college football and possibly in all of sports. It has the ability to change one young man’s life forever. Here are my top ten contenders for the award this season.
1. RB Mark Ingram, Alabama
Ingram is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy again, and he will be playing for the number one ranked team when the season opens. But there has only been one back to back winner (Ohio State’s Archie Griffin back in 1974 & 1975) in the storied history of the award. Trent Richardson is sure to take some carries away from Ingram as well, so the defending champ will have his work but out for him if he intends to repeat.
2009 Stats: 1,658 rushing yard 17 rushing touchdowns, 32 receptions for 334 yards and three touchdowns.
 2. QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
Some things are working in Mallett’s favor: Arkansas will be a better overall football team this season, he plays in the SEC, he has a big arm and some solid weapons around him. The only issue will be Arkansas’ overall performance; they need to be one of the better teams in college football if their quarterback is going to get the hype he needs to win the award.
2009 Stats: 3,627 passing yards 30 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.
3. QB Jake Locker, Washington
Locker is one of the best overall athletes in college football. The issue is that his team only won five games last year and to be a Heisman Trophy winner you have to lead your team to more victories. Washington has a more experienced offensive line and some veteran receivers for him to throw to this year, so the team should win more games. The question is: will they win enough to give Locker a legitimate Heisman run?
2009 Stats: 2,800 passing yards 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, 388 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
4. QB Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State
Pryor is a terrific all-around athlete and finished last season with a great performance in the Rose Bowl. Perhaps more importantly for his Heisman chances, he enters the season as the established quarterback on a top-five team.
2009 Stats: 2,094 passing yards 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions; 779 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
5. QB Kellen Moore, Boise State
Boise State will be one of top ranked teams coming into this season and Moore is a huge reason for that. He finished 7th in last year’s Heisman voting, and could earn a trip to New York this year.
2009 Stats: 3,536 passing yards 39 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
6. QB Case Keenum, Houston
Keenum had a huge season in 2009 and was the nation’s leading passer, throwing for over 5,000 yards for the second consecutive year. After receiving plenty of Heisman consideration last season he should have no problem racking up yards and even further consideration in 2010.
2009 Stats: 5,671 passing yards 44 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
7. QB Jacory Harris, Miami
Harris showed last season that he has the ability to be a big time quarterback. With a game at Ohio State early in the 2010 campaign, he will have his chance to make his Heisman moment with a big performance on a national stage. Even if Miami loses the game Harris should have the ‘Canes in contention for the ACC title and a BCS bowl game.
2009 Stats: 3,352 passing yards 24 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.
8. RB Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State
If the talented Rodgers can carry his Beavers to the Pac-10 title and gain another trip to the Rose Bowl, he has a good shot of making it to New York at the very least.
2009 Stats: 1,440 rushing yard 21 rushing touchdowns, 78 receptions for 522 yards and a touchdown.
9. QB Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M
Johnson the skills to be the number one pick in next year’s NFL Draft. However, to win the Heisman he needs to have his Aggies competing for the Big XII title. That means beating Oklahoma or Texas…possibly both. No easy task.
2009 Stats: 3,579 passing yards 30 touchdowns and eight interceptions; 506 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
10. RB Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh
Last year as a freshman, Lewis finished third in the nation in total rushing yards. He will be a sophomore this season and the last three Heisman winners have been sophomores, so winning the coveted award is a possibility if he maintains his lofty numbers and the Panthers perform well as a team.
2009 Stats: 1,799 rushing yard 17 rushing touchdowns, 25 receptions for 189 yards and a touchdown.
Let us know your thoughts, leave a comment below...
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Photo Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard
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