Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Heisman Candidates
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DeShaun Watson, QB, Clemson
After a promising freshman season, Watson exploded on the scene in 2015, throwing for over 4,100 yards with 35 touchdowns while rushing for over 1,100 yards and another 12 touchdowns. Watson’s production led him to be a finalist for the 2015 Heisman while driving Clemson to the national championship game. Another national title run in 2016 could result in Watson taking home the Heisman. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
McCaffrey finished the 2015 season as the Heisman runner-up after a season that saw him put up nearly 4,000 total yards (2,019 rushing, 645 receiving, 1,200 returning) and 15 total touchdowns. It remains to be seen how the Cardinal’s season will go with someone new under center, but McCaffrey’s presence should ease the burden on the new quarterback. If the Cardinal can make another playoff push, McCaffrey will likely be the driving force, which could result in another trip to New York City. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
Fournette was the early leader in the 2015 Heisman race before a 31-yard effort against Alabama officially derailed they Fournette hype train and put Alabama’s Derrick Henry squarely on track to an eventual Heisman. Fournette eventually finished third nationally in rushing yards (1,953) and fourth in rushing touchdowns (22). If LSU can avoid the three-game losing streak that helped cool the hype on Fournette in 2015, he could find himself making the trip to New York City as a Heisman finalist. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Mayfield led the Sooners into the 2015 College Football Playoff, giving the Big XII of a representative a year after having two top teams snubbed. Mayfield threw for 3,700 yards, with 36 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions, while also picking up 405 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground. A repeat performance for a Sooners team favored to make a playoff run is likely to make Mayfield a Heisman finalist. J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State
Barrett was a bonafide Heisman contender as a freshman in 2014 before getting hurt in the season finale against Michigan. In a platoon enviroment with Cardale Jones last season, Barrett put up almost a 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns passing in addition to almost 700 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing. With Jones out of the picture, Barrett should get the full-time gig back. Another playoff push for the Buckeyes could lead Barrett to New York City.
Dark Horse
Greg Ward Jr., QB, Houston
The Cougars are the trendy pick when discussing “G5” teams who may crash the playoffs after a 13-1 season that saw an upset of FSU in their bowl game. Ward was the driving force behind the “#HTownTakeover” in 2015, accounting for over 2,800 yards and 17 touchdowns passing and over 1,100 yards and 21 touchdowns rushing. With a win over Oklahoma in their season opener, the Cougars’ schedule is set up for another shot an undefeated season and a chance at the playoffs. Doing so would undoubtedly leave Ward as the dark horse candidate to crash the Heisman party.