Heisman race starts with USC QB Darnold at top
PAUL MYERBERG
College football’s reigning Heisman Trophy winner will take a crack at matching former Ohio State running back Archie Griffin, who is the only twotime winner in the award’s history.
But the odds of Lamar Jackson joining this ultra-exclusive club are not in the Louisville junior’s favor. Recent history is littered with Heisman honorees who tried and failed in their quest to repeat: Jameis Winston, Johnny Manziel, Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow.
Yet Jackson remains in the mix. His candidacy rests on a big question: Is the lack of repeats because of voter fatigue or the unreasonable expectations placed on returning Heisman winners?
Based on his play as a sophomore -when he brought college football to its feet on a near-weekly basis -- Jackson just might exceed any expectations, statistically speaking. But winning the Heisman might be as difficult a challenge as leading Louisville past Clemson and Florida State to the top of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
For now, Jackson slots in the top five of USA TODAY Sports’ preseason Heisman Trophy rankings. But the top spot is held by another quarterback, a hyped sophomore who has led the Heisman conversation since leading USC to a Rose Bowl win in January.
Darnold has it all: preseason acclaim, a playing style made for the highlight reel, off-the-charts potential and the benefit of starring for one of college football’s blue bloods. While other quarterbacks have failed to capitalize on the opportunity -- especially underclassmen without ample starting experience, as is the case with the Southern Cal sophomore -- Darnold has shown an ability to shoulder pressure that belies his youth and relative inexperience.
After back-to-back top-five finishes as a sophomore and junior, Mayfield is clearly in line for heavy Heisman consideration during his final season. But what does he need to do to get over the hump? Leading Oklahoma past Ohio State in September and to another Big 12 Conference championship might make his candidacy too strong to ignore. After back-to-back seasons with 1,000 rushing yards, Barkley, a junior, has set a goal of breaking Penn State’s single-season and career rushing marks. The career record is within reach, barring injury. The single-season mark – 2,087 yards by Larry Johnson in 2002 – might be tough.
Imagine the Jackson we know – a dual-threat option in every sense of term, perhaps more dangerous with his legs than with his arm – and then picture a more accurate passer as he enters his second full season as Louisville’s starter. If he completes more than 60 percent of his attempts, there’s every reason to think Jackson will again be the most dominant quarterback in the country.
The redshirt senior will flourish in new Ohio State offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson’s up-tempo system. His experience, production and leadership qualities make Barrett a true Heisman contender.
Guice, a junior, will step into Leonard Fournette’s shoes as LSU’s go-to back, and the Tigers offense won’t miss a beat. After all, Guice was arguably the team’s best option in 2016, when he rushed for 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The nation’s best downfield passer is a perfect fit for Oklahoma State’s aggressive offensive scheme. Rudolph, who is a senior, has been wildly overlooked as a result of sharing his home state with Oklahoma’s Mayfield, but his time in the spotlight is coming soon.
This spot also could go to junior Alabama running back Bo Scarbrough, who gained at least 90 yards on the ground in each of the Crimson Tide’s final four games of the 2016 season. But the safer bet is sophomore Hurts as he develops more consistency as a passer.
There are several defenders worthy of Heisman consideration. The redshirt sophomore gets the call for two reasons: He’s likely the most gifted defensive player in college football – and perhaps the nation’s best player – and James will be a key piece as the Seminoles aim for a return trip to the Playoff.
Allen has been proclaimed as a potential No.1 overall pick in the spring NFL draft. That hype alone will keep him in Heisman consideration.