2013 Preseason Heisman Candidates

As we draw nearer to the beginning of the upcoming college football season, its time to take a look at some of the candidates for the Heisman trophy. Last year’s winner, Johnny Manziel is the front runner to win the award and could become the first two-time winner since Archie Griffin played for the Buckeyes.

1. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M – Johnny Football took the SEC by storm, passing for 3,700 yards 26 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He rushed for another 1,400 yards and 21 touchdowns. With a relatively manageable schedule coming up, there’s no reason he can’t repeat his Heisman campaign. On the other hand, we’re still waiting for the other shoe to drop in the NCAA’s case against him for allegedly getting paid for his autograph. Another reason he could miss out on a second straight Heisman is LSU. Last year the Tigers made him struggle and he had his worst game, throwing three interceptions en route to a 24-19 home loss.

2. Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio St – Urban Meyer’s offense is built for a guy like Miller. His mechanics aren’t great, he’s not very consistent but he’s surrounded by talent and just like another for Urban Meyer pupil named Tim Tebow, Miller manages to rise to the occasion when it matters. If Ohio St can go undefeated again, they’ll likely be playing in the BCS Championship Game and that will certainly help Miller’s Heisman candidacy. He struggled against Wisconsin last year, so look for that defense to get after him again.

3. AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama – I don’t know why people sleep on McCarron. The man is efficient (he only threw 3 picks last year), he’s got two national championships and he’s got a smoking hot girlfriend. Just ask Brent Musberger. In order to win a Heisman though, he’s going to have to put some flashy numbers, especially against LSU, where he tends to struggle.

4. Stephen Morris, QB, Miami – This may be a biased selection but I think with the talent surrounding Morris, he could put up some good numbers. He’s got a solid offensive line, a great running back in Duke Johnson, quality wideouts in Phillip Dorsett and Allen Hurns, and he’s got a favorable schedule. He finished last year with 3,345 yards, 21 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He’ll have to do better than that to garner consideration for the Heisman.

5. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina – Could Clowney be the first defensive player to win the Heisman since Charles Woodson? Absolutely. He’s a monster in the trenches and he’s probably the best football player in the country. He’s a huge reason South Carolina is a tough team to deal with in the SEC. If he can dominate Tennessee the way he dominates everyone else, he’ll have a shot to become the first defensive lineman to win the award.

6. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon – We know this team is going to score points. Thats a given. What will hurt Mariota is splitting Heisman votes with his running back, DeAnthony Thomas. He’ll also have to have a better showing against Stanford. A win would be nice but that defense is pretty stout and it won’t be easy.

7. Marquise Lee, WR, USC – There hasn’t been a wideout to win the Heisman since Desmond Howard in 1991. With no other offensive threats, he’s going to get a lot of targets. He’ll have a tough time against the vaunted Notre Dame defense though.

8. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville – I think Bridgewater is going to be the first quarterback taken in the 2014 NFL draft. I also think he’s the biggest sleeper to win the Heisman trophy. Which really doesn’t make him a sleeper, then does it? After a great season where he passed for 3700 yards and 27 touchdowns, Bridgewater is looking to make that next step. He played great against Florida at the end of the season and he’ll likely have an even better season in the newly formed AAC. Chances are he’ll go undefeated and end up in a BCS game.

9. Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson – Its tough to say whether Boyd will be able to do what he did last year after losing his top two targets in Andre Ellington and DeAndre Hopkins. He’s still got Sammy Watkins, who should be a big help. Give him credit, he played well against a tough LSU defense.

10. Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA – Hundley is absolutely my dark horse for the Heisman. He put up decent numbers for the Bruins last year, passing for 3,745 yards, 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He hurt defenses on the ground as well with 355 yards rushing and9 touchdowns. If he can survive against USC and Stanford, he’ll have an outside shot at the Heisman.

As the season rolls on, this list will be whittled down to five guys. Keep a look out for any updates throughout the season. As always, questions or comments can be sent via email ats_talouis@yahoo.com or you can follow me on twitter @FunnyManStan