Heisman Trophy Picks

[CoachC.]

Here's my top 3, and why:

1. Matt Leinart (QB; USC) - Has the name recognition, and will be the leader of a team that will contend for a National Championship. That always points to Heisman favorite. Even though he won't have Mike Williams to throw to, he also won't have Williams to take votes away now.

2. Brad Smith (QB; Missouri) - Became only the second QB in Division-I history to have 2,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards. He did it two years ago as a freshman (was only 23 passing yards shy of doing it last year, too). He may very well deserve to win it at the end, but playing for a team with minimal national exposure will hurt a lot.

3. Darren Sproles (RB; Kansas State) - Didn't get the national hype he deserved last year, but K-State's pounding of Oklahoma, and his 235 yards, made some heads turn. He'll have plenty of eyes on him now. Had almost 2,000 rushing yards last year. He ran for over 200 yards in 3 of last 4 games last season. This kids really good.

Others to watch:
David Green (QB; Georgia)
Jason White (QB; Oklahoma) - last year's winner
Cedric Benson (RB; Texas)
Carnell Williams (RB; Auburn)

Defensive player who will get votes:
David Pollack (DE; Georgia)

Sleeper:
Aaron Rodgers (QB; Cal)
2003: 2903 yards; 61.6 %; 19 TD; 5 INT

Anyone have any player they want to throw into the ix?

[mighty peace warrior]

I am thinking Leinart, but you never can tell this early

[Mouldsie]

I like Sproles but his team won't have enough success.... the Heisman is becoming a best player on the best team award now.

[Henry4MVP]

Sproles is flat out nasty. Brad Smith's good too, but I'm guessing Leinart wins it if USC has another killer season.

[Mouldsie]

The sick thing is that I bet Sproles won't get drafted until real late. Buffalo could be in the running too if they trade Travis or Willis.

[Snarf]

It is gonna be tough, but I am going to go with Jason White. Things are stacked againts him because he won it last year, and they way he played in the Big XII championship game and the Sugar Bowl, many voters will be afraid to vote for him if he has a great regular seasoniin fear of him falling apart again. But I think he will bounce back from the bad games and the Sooners will have a big season.

USC has a big target on their back this season, and they will lose one to two games, which will hurt Leinart's chances. And losing Mike Williams is huge. USC has other good WR, but losing your #1 target will really hurt him.

[Henry4MVP]

The sick thing is that I bet Sproles won't get drafted until real late. Buffalo could be in the running too if they trade Travis or Willis.

To be honest, I think we're gonna have to trade one or the other of them next year, just to keep the locker room intact. Sproles probably will slip because of his size, but he's fast and has a ton of moves. Maybe a diamond in the rough?

[mighty peace warrior]

Derek Anderson looked pretty good in the slop last night!

Go Beavs!! stinkin kicker

[Losman4life7]

can someone explain to me how Jason White can still be in college football? I thought he was a senior last year? Is it possible to win the heisman 2wice?

[CoachC.]

can someone explain to me how Jason White can still be in college football? I thought he was a senior last year? Is it possible to win the heisman 2wice?

White was granted a "medical redhirt," and then a "medical hardship" by the NCAA. Bsaically, the same thing.

In 1999, he received a "medical redshirt" after injuring his back and ankle. He hurt his left knee during his seventh game and second start of the 2001 season. Then, in 2002, he blew out his right knee in the second game of the season. Again, he was granted a "medical hardship." So, in essence, he had two years that weren't counted against his eligibility. The NCAA has been known to grant one of these to injured players, but two is very rare.

Archie Griffin (RB; Ohio State) won two straight Heisman Trophy's in the mid-70's. Herschel Walker finished 3rd in 1980 (George Rodgers); 2nd in 1981 (Marcus Allen); and won it in 1982. So, he almost won three Heismans!!!!

[Dean in LA]

Look out for Reggie Bush at USC. This guy can run, catch, and return kicks. He's already had one big game this season.