Heisman hopefuls: an early-season look at the top candidates
Posted by The Skyliner on September 23rd, 2009Cory Guinn
Copy Editor
Every season, college players all around the country play their best in hopes of winning the highest award in college football–the Heisman Trophy. While the 2009 college football season is just a few weeks old, let’s take a look at five players who have started the season strong and are the immediate favorites to win the Heisman Trophy.
1. Tim Tebow, quarterback, Florida Gators
The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner has hardly had to break a sweat in the Gators’ first two games. Tebow’s toughest test so far came last Saturday against Tennessee in which he led Florida to a 23-13 victory. In three games, he has completed 64.1 percent of his passes for 425 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 148 yards and three touchdowns.
2. Jahvid Best, running back, California Bears
Best is the most electrifying running back in all of college football. He has rushed for over 130 yards in each of the first three games this season and averages 10.4 yards per carry. This past Saturday against Minnesota, he rushed for a school record five touchdowns. Best has rushed for 412 yards and eight touchdowns.
3. Jacory Harris, quarterback, Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have won two straight games to begin the season, and both have been against top 25 teams in Florida State and Georgia Tech. Harris has been the main reason for Miami’s resurgence in 2009. He has completed 70 percent of his pass attempts and thrown for 656 yards and five touchdowns while leading Miami into the top 25 for the first time in two years.
4. Colt McCoy, quarterback, Texas Longhorns
McCoy and the Longhorns have gotten off to slow starts in each of the first three games to begin the season but have adjusted and come out victorious. For the past three seasons, McCoy has been considered one of the top players in college football, and this season is no different. He has thrown for 859 yards and six touchdowns so far this season. If McCoy can keep up his stellar play and lead his team to a national title, he may be holding the Heisman as season’s end.
5. Case Keenum, quarterback, Houston Cougars
Houston is not known for football, but Keenum is looking to change that. The Cougars faced their toughest test of the season early on as they defeated Oklahoma State handily. In just two games this season, Keenum has thrown for 725 yards and seven touchdowns. If he can continue to put up these insane numbers and lead Houston to a Cinderella season, he will remain a dark-horse contender.
Tags: Fall 2009, Vol. 109 - Issue 3