Heisman Trophy: The 2009 Race
Who will win the Heisman Trophy, college football’s most coveted award, on its 75th anniversary?
From leading candidates to long shots to the three top vote getters from last year who return for another run, here are some players to look for throughout the season and a few of the key games that may determine their fates.
Sam Bradford- Oklahoma Quarterback
The Sooners quarterback is just the 11th player to return to school after winning the Heisman. The junior threw 50 TDs and racked up 4,720 yards in becoming the fifth Oklahoma player to win the award.
Bradford got hurt in their opener, but the initial evaluations by doctors showed that Bradford did not suffer any damage to his collarbone, rotator cuff or other parts of his shoulder when he sprained his AC joint just before halftime in Oklahoma’s 14-13 loss to No. 20 BYU on Saturday.
He is not expected to need surgery on his sprained right shoulder and the quarterback could play again for No. 3 Oklahoma in two to four weeks.
Max Hall - BYU Quarterback
The Cougar senior is the latest in a long line of talented throwers – Jim McMahon, Gifford Nielsen and former Heisman winner Ty Detmer. Hall will have an equally porous Sooner defense to throw against and a chance to shine in an early spotlight game.
Tim Tebow - Florida Quarterback
In working with the same tutor used by Tom Brady (at Michigan), Tebow will start his campaign for a second Heisman with a new over-the-top throwing motion against a tough Tennessee defense September 19th.
The southpaw, the first sophomore to win the Heisman (in 2007), was also the starting quarterback that took Florida to the national championship.
Colt McCoy- Texas Quarterback
The Heisman runner- up from last year has a chance to go for the trifecta at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas when the Big 12 title, BCS invite and Heisman could all very well be on the line when Texas faces Oklahoma.
The senior led the Longhorn offense racking up 3,859 yards through the air with 34 touchdowns. McCoy also rushed for another 541 yards which led the Texas rushing attack adding another 11 touchdowns on the season.
Terrelle Pryor- Ohio State Quarterback
The slippery sophomore will face a tough early schedule, but signs are good. In 2008, the freshman ran the ball 139 times picking up 4.5 yards a carry to total 631 yards but threw for just 1,311 yards and 12 touchdowns. Pryor will have to step up his air game to have a shot at glory.
Jahvid Best- California Running Back
The nation’s fifth best rusher, did it suffering leg and elbow ailments and now that he’s recovered from two surgeries look for him to improve on his 1,580 yard total of last year.
Impressive in an Emerald Bowl victory over Miami to close out last year, Best’s real test comes when Cal hosts USC October 3rd.
Jevan Snead- Mississippi Quarterback
Leading the Rebels to an impressive win over Florida, the Texas transfer also directed Ole Miss to a win over Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl.
Arguably the best pure passer among the Heisman candidates, Snead’s biggest test should come against the rough Tide defense of Alabama when they roll in October 10th.
SandC’s pick? Colt McCoy finishes…. second again. This time to Tim Tebow who joins Ohio State running back Archie Griffin (1974/75) as a two-time winner. The southpaw has a real good chance to end a brilliant collegiate career with two Heismans and three national championships.
Who is your pick for the 75th Heisman Award?
Toby Gerhart of Stanford is my pick for the Heisman!