Under-the-radar, but not unknown - These ten could pluck some Heisman votes in 2008
Tebow. White. Stafford. Moreno. Wells. Crabtree. Bradford. Daniel.
We know the big names already, the guys who are most likely to hear their name called in early December when the Heisman Trophy is handed out.
But, who are some of the ‘under-the-radar’ guys that could make a run this year? You may know many of these names already, but huge seasons could catapult them into the ultimate spotlight, as was the case for Daniel last season.
Matt Grothe, QB, South Florida
Grothe’s Heisman candidacy will be helped by A) South Florida making a title run past West Virginia in the Big East, and B) if he gets those bloody interceptions (28 in two seasons) down. Grothe is a guy who could put up 3,000 yards passing, 1,000 yards rushing, and more than 30+ touchdowns if he brings his best every week.
If he can do that, and USF can make a Big East run, he could be on his way to the Big Apple.
Todd Reesing, QB, Kansas
Had Kansas beaten Missouri in Kansas City last November, it may have been Reesing getting the invite to New York and not Daniel. Reesing had a school-record season (3,486 yards, 33 touchdowns) in leading Kansas to 12 wins and the Orange Bowl title, and he’ll be leading a top-15 team once again. If or how soon Reesing jumps into the Heisman race could come down to a September game against South Florida, where the winner likely gets a place in the top ten and gets a quarterback in the early Heisman conversation.
Rudy Carpenter, QB, Arizona St.
If there’s anybody who’s going to take down USC this year in the PAC-10, it’ll be Arizona St., led by Carpenter, who believe it or not, is actually now a senior. If the Sun Devils can upset Georgia in Tempe on September 20, or at least give them everything they have and then some, it could vault Carpenter into the thick of the Heisman race early on. A five-game stretch where ASU plays Georgia, Cal (on the road), USC (on the road), Oregon, and Oregon State (on the road) will make or break his Heisman candidacy.
Dan LeFevour, QB, Central Michigan
Most years, there’s at least one guy in the non-BCS leagues who puts himself in the frame for the Heisman. This year, LeFevour could be that guy. It’s likely going to take Central Michigan reaching double digits in wins and beating Indiana and Purdue (and showing well against Georgia), but it’s doable. LeFevour accounted for more than 4,700 yards and 47 touchdowns last year, joining an exclusive club of players who’ve passed for 3,000 yards and run for 1,000 in the same season. Do it again this season, and he’ll get the national attention that he deserves.
Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
Sophomores and the Heisman don’t often go together, but Benn could hop onto the charts if Illinois has the season they’re being predicted to.
Juice Williams (he may be a Heisman candidate himself, but he’s not exactly an under-the-radar name) may be throwing the ball more this season, and the biggest benefactor stands to be Benn, who caught 54 passes for 676 yards and two scores as a true freshman last season. Not only should Benn be William’s go-to-guy, but he should get regular carries out of the backfield (32 carries, 158 yards last season), he’ll also be returning kicks (10 kick returns, 28 yards per return, TD in ‘07). His touchdown numbers will have see a significant upswing, and he might be more of a 2009 candidate than a 2008 guy, but he’ll certainly set the stage for ‘09 with a big ‘08.
Who else could emerge as a Heisman candidate if things go right?
Max Hall, QB, BYU - May already be on a good few shortlists given BYU’s high expectations, but he’s worth mentioning anyway. If BYU goes 12-0, Hall could get an invite, much like Colt Brennan and Alex Smith did.
Curtis Painter, QB, Purdue - Certainly has the potential to put up monster numbers, but no less than 10-2 with some big upsets will do if he wants in.
Kellen Lewis, QB, Indiana - I have Indiana penciled in as a surprise team, led by run-pass threat Lewis, who accounted for 3,866 yards (3,043 pass, 736 rush, 87 receiving) and 38 touchdowns (28 pass, 9 rush, 1 receiving) last season. If Indiana can make big moves in the Big Ten, Lewis could be a big beneficiary, even without James Hardy to throw to.
Javon Ringer, RB, Michigan State - Last season, Ringer ran for 1,447 yards, but Jehuu Caulcrick ate almost everything at the touchdown buffet, scoring 21 touchdowns to Ringers’ six. If this is the year Michigan State makes good on their great potential, Ringer will get at least a few votes.
Ian Johnson, RB, Boise St. - Last year, Johnson was limited by injuries, but he still managed more than 1,000 yards. The Broncos could be in store for a big 2008, and if they make a run with a healthy Johnson leading the way, he could get into the spotlight once again.
Related posts on The Red Zone Report
