As part of BCS Know How’s 2010 season preview, we will be breaking down our ten favorite Heisman hopefuls to get you ready for this season’s edition of the Heisman Watch.
2010 looks to be one of the most open Heisman races in memory, so ten candidates can’t possibly be enough for anyone. Here’s five more candidates who could easily vie for the awards before we reveal our (pretty obvious) No. 1 selection.
Washington QB Jake Locker
The early favorite as the jewel of the 2011 NFL Draft class, Washington quarterback Jake Locker will test his pro-style skills against collegiate defenses for one more season from the helm of the Huskies’ offense — and could very well see a Heisman award ceremony invitation if he continues his upward progression.
Locker returns to a Washington squad which has seen ups and downs during Lockers’ years in Seattle, this time as a polished passer and leader of a team many see near the top of the heap in a very competitive 2010 Pac-10 conference.
Locker welcomes back his top seven pass catchers from 2009 and an offense which could rank among the best in the country — all key elements to a season Locker hopes will have Heisman written all over it.
Navy QB Ricky Dobbs
Fleet of foot, strong armed and poised as a senior leading a revitalized Navy program, quarterback Ricky Dobbs has all of the tools needed to run a convincing 2010 Heisman campaign.
Last season was a record setting one for the Midshipmens’ most dynamic threat, as he rushed and passed for more than 1,000 yards while accounting for an astounding 26 rushing touchdowns.
The question in 2010 will be if Dobbs can take Navy to the next step, and in the process, run the triple-option to an even greater output than in 2009 — not an easy proposal.
Florida State QB Christian Ponder
Injuries and inconsistency have haunted Florida State’s prized senior quarterback Chirstian Ponder his entire career, but in 2010, the quarterback looks to move past his troubles and make this season one which reaches its full potential.
Ponder had a solid start to the 2009 season, while not piling up the statistics, it was never Ponder’s mistakes which doomed an underwhelming season for the Seminoles. However, in what would prove to be his final two games of the season, Ponder threw a combined six interceptions against Clemson and NC State before injuring his shoulder.
If Ponder wants a shot at the Heisman this season, he’ll have to be able to bounce back from mistakes, and lead the Seminoles back to the top of the college football world.
Penn State RB Evan Royster
Six 100-yard-plus games and pro-level abilities made many believe that Penn State running back Evan Royster would leave College Park after the 2009 season, but the running back returned for his senior season — with a legitimate shot at Heisman contention.
The senior running back will need to help his offense out, as the Nittany Lions will transition to a new quarterback and a new lineup on the offensive line.
Look for Royster to be key to Penn State’s success this season.
Miami QB Jacory Harris
Unpredictable and sometimes over zealous with his passes, Miami quarterback Jacory Harris could very well be on his way to national stardom this season as the Hurricanes look to return to their familiar position among the top ten teams in the nation.
However, Harris will need to control his wild side, which was responsible for an ACC-leading 17 interceptions in 2009, which was not beneficial to a Miami team which looked — at least early on — to be a national contender.
In 2010, Harris may finally get the chance to meet his potential and make a run at a Heisman trophy.
