After winning the Heisman Trophy in 2009, Alabama running back Mark Ingram enters this season as the obvious favorite. But capturing a second Heisman isn’t easy. Ohio State’s Archie Griffin (1974-75) is the only player in history to win two. Who are this year’s best bets?:
10. Christian Ponder (Florida State)
Had it not been for an injury last season, Ponder would be in the NFL. With a veteran offensive line, he should get plenty of time to show off his strong and accurate arm (68.8 completion percentage). Much will depend on how he fares Sept. 11 at Oklahoma.
The Washington area has produced several Naismith Award winners — Kevin Durant (Montrose Christian), Danny Ferry (DeMatha), David Robinson (Osbourn Park), Johnny Dawkins (Mackin) and Austin Carr (Mackin). But no football player from the D.C. area has ever won a Heisman Trophy. This year, however, there are two strong candidates. Ryan Williams (Stonewall Jackson) rushed for 1,655 yards and 21 touchdowns last year as a freshman at Virginia Tech. Evan Royster (Westfield) carried for 1,169 yards and six touchdowns as a junior at Penn State. If either of their teams contend for a national championship, expect them to be in the Heisman discussion.
9. Case Keenum (Houston)
If it was determined solely by numbers, Keenum would already have his invitation to New York. He threw for 5,671 yards and 44 touchdowns in 2009 and is likely to end his career as the NCAA all-time leader in yards, touchdowns and completions.
8. Dion Lewis (Pittsburgh)
Undersized (5-8, 190) and lacking sprinter speed, all Lewis did was produce last fall as a freshman, finishing third in the nation in rushing (1,799 yards), without a fumble. If Pitt is in the top-10, Lewis will be hard to ignore, even in the underappreciated Big East.
7. Ricky Dobbs (Navy)
Just as the 60-minute-man Gordie Lockbaum of Holy Cross got Heisman love, finishing third as an improbable small-school candidate in 1987, Dobbs could get similar consideration. His 27 rushing touchdowns last year broke the QB record held by Tim Tebow.
6. Jake Locker (Washington)
Can he survive the scrutiny that comes with being the designated No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft? This much is certain: For Locker to sniff the Heisman, the Huskies will have to win twice as many games as last year when they went 5-7.
5. Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State)
There was no more potent dual threat last year than Rodgers, who rushed for 1,440 yards and 21 touchdowns and caught 78 passes for 522 yards. Remaining upright is always a concern for a player this small (5-7, 190), especially with his workload.
4. Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State)
The Buckeyes QB is generating lots of preseason Heisman talk, based largely on his Rose Bowl performance against Oregon. But his body of work hardly seems Heisman worthy. A candidate primarily because of his name and his team.
3. Ryan Mallett (Arkansas)
At 6-foot-7, “Big Tex” would be the tallest Heisman winner. He threw for 3,627 yards and 30 touchdowns last year and has a chance to get some early momentum (or rapid elimination) with September games at Georgia and against Alabama.
2. Kellen Moore (Boise State)
With a cupcake schedule, QB Moore will again compile ridiculous numbers (39 TDs, 3 INTs in 2009). A No. 3 preseason rank shows the Broncos are the flavor of the month. They’ll become even more flavorful if they beat Virginia Tech on Sept. 6.
1. Mark Ingram (Alabama)
Seemed a winner by default last year as Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow and Colt McKoy faltered and the award went to the best player on the best team. Bama figures to contend for the title again. The difference this year: RB Ingram enters as the Heisman favorite.
