10. Brian Brohm & Michael Bush – Quarterback & Running Back – Louisville
These two tie because they will probably cancel each out, causing Heisman voters to avoid them all together, yet they’re too good not to make the list.
9. Marshawn Lynch – Running Back – California While Lynch’s 1,246 yards and 10 touchdowns rushing last year are impressive, what’s more impressive is his average per carry, which was 6.4 in 2005 and 8.8 in 2004. In order for Lynch to win the Heisman, California has to have a stellar season, which may prove difficult given they have questions at quarterback and play at Tennessee and USC.
8. Dwayne Jarrett – Wide Receiver – USC
The Trojan’s biggest star, Jarrett will garner plenty of national attention and press coverage. He could be the third Trojan in a row to win the Heisman, however his fate depends on how well USC’s quarterback plays, which will probably be John David Booty but may wind up being Mark Sanchez, both unproven starters.
7. Jamaal Charles – Running Back – Texas
With Vince Young, last year’s runner-up for the Heisman, in Tennessee; look for Charles to carry more of the load on offense. As a freshman last year Charles rushed for 878 yards, and averaged an astounding 7.4 yards per carry. And while he only had three 100 yard rushing games last season; that was simply due to a lack of opportunities. This season, that won’t be an issue.
6. Kenny Irons – Running Back – Auburn Kenny Irons came on strong during the second half of last season, and quickly made Tiger fans forget about the likes of Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown. Auburn likes to run the ball, thus Irons should get plenty of carries, and he has shown that he has the ability to rack up big numbers and be a serious Heisman candidate.
5. Tedd Ginn, Jr. – Wide Receiver/Kick Returner – Ohio State Ginn has the ability to rack up stats in a variety of ways; receptions, rushes, punt returns, and kick returns. And Heisman voters love stats. In his first two seasons Ginn has had a tendency to have a huge game and then disappear for a couple games, but now that Santonio Holmes is making headlines in Pittsburgh, there’s no reason why Ginn shouldn’t get at least 15 touches a game.
4. Chris Leak – Quarterback – Florida
Leak was inconsistent last season and showed signs of struggling with new head coach Urban Meyer’s system. In his second year under Meyer, Leak should be more comfortable and confident. With Florida having the nation’s toughest schedule, Chris Leak will get plenty of big games in which to showcase his skills, and if he dominates a few of the top-tier teams then he’ll quickly become a Heisman favorite.
3. Brady Quinn – Quarterback – Notre Dame
Brady Quinn threw for 32 touchdowns and 3,919 yards last season, and that was in his first year under Charlie Weis. Now that he has a year’s experience, as well as returning receiver Jeff Samardzija and underrated running back Darius Walker, the sky’s the limit for Quinn.
2. Troy Smith – Quarterback – Ohio State
Smith has yet to have a full season all to himself, as a suspension last year, coupled with competing with QB Justin Zwick the last 2 years, has prevented the Buckeyes from having stability at quarterback. Problem solved. Columbus is on Troy Smith’s shoulders in 2006, and if he plays the entire season like he ended last season, the rest of the Big Ten is in trouble. Smith has always had the ability to run, but his passing has improved so dramatically the past two seasons that he’s just as dangerous in the pocket as he is out of it. He can rack up passing yards and rushing yards, which should intice Heisman voters.
1. Adrian Peterson – Running Back – Oklahoma
While Peterson was 75 yards shy of 2,000 his freshman season, he struggled last year due to a string of injuries. Despite the trouble of last season, he still rushed for 1,108 yards and scored 14 touchdowns, so just imagine what he can do if he’s fully healthy. The only thing that stands between Adrian Peterson and the Heisman is a shaky offensive line. If they can get it together, look for Peterson to surpass 2,000 yards and win the Heisman trophy.
