By John Sarianides
The 2017 season has already kicked off but it kicks off in earnest this weekend. That begs the question. Who are the top Heisman Trophy contenders?
There are several players to watch this season. Here is my list by position.
Quarterbacks
Lamar Jackson, Louisville: The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has a good chance to be the first repeat winner since Ohio State running back Archie Griffin in 1974-1975.
Josh Rosen, UCLA: The “Rosen One” will put up big numbers for the Bruins but Rosen’s chances at winning the award will hinge on his team’s overall success.
Josh Allen, Wyoming: Allen went from being one of the best kept secrets in the country to now being talked about as a potential top five draft pick in 2018. If Wyoming makes a run at a playoff bid, Allen’s chances will be enhanced.
Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State: The Cowboys would have to win the Big 12 and make a playoff run in order for Rudolph to have any chance of winning the award.
Sam Darnold, USC: Darnold burst on the scene last season and led the Trojans to the Rose Bowl. Now expectations are higher for both Darnold and the program. If the Trojans go on a run, he will get Heisman love.
Others: Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma), Deondre Francois (Florida State), Jarrett Stidham (Auburn), Trace McSorley (Penn State), Luke Falk (Washington State), Nick Fitzgerald (Miss St.)
Running Back
Saquon Barkley, Penn State: Barkley has a legit shot at winning the trophy but his chances will hinge on his production and whether or not Penn State can make a run.
Derrius Guice, LSU: Guice is now the man in Baton Rouge and he is ready to make a name for himself. He is a Heisman sleeper.
Nick Chubb, Georgia: Chubb had a big bounce back season but his chances of winning the Heisman will come down to whether or not he leads the Dawgs to Atlanta and the SEC Championship game.
Bo Scarborough, Alabama: Big, Bad Bo will have a big year but will he get a fair shake in this process? Probably not. He plays at Alabama. That means he was a part of a good team. He wasn’t the key to their success.
Kamryn Pettway, Auburn: Pettway is a load. He is poised to put up big numbers in the Tigers run first spread offense. The question is. Can the Tigers make a run so that Pettway can get some love nationally?
Others: Royce Freeman (Oregon), Justin Jackson (Northwestern), Myles Gaskin (Washington)
Wide Receiver
Christian Kirk, Texas A&M: Kirk will be one of the top playmakers in the country for the Aggies. Another situation where the team’s success will determine the player’s chance at winning the award.
Others: James Washington (Oklahoma State), Calvin Ridley (Alabama)
Defense
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama: Mink as he’s known is a hybrid corner, safety playmaker who could be the best defensive player in the country. He will get some Heisman love.
Others: Derwin James (Florida State), Ed Oliver (Houston).