Thursday, August 28, 2008

Handicapping the Heisman

Heisman Trophy Candidates ‘08 - Top Five
Candidates


For the Top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates go to
www.draftinsiders.com

1. Tim Tebow - QB -
Florida - 6’3” 230 lbs. - Jr.
Tebow is a rare
returning Heisman Trophy winner who looks to match Archie Griffin as the only
two time winner. He had one of the best offensive seasons in college history
last year with over 4,000 combined passing and rushing yards and an incredible
55 total TDs. He put up incredible numbers including 234 completions of 350
attempts for 67% and 3,286 yards, 32 TDs and 6 interceptions. He also carried
210 times for another 895 yards and an amazing 23 TDs . With most returning
starters to the Gators offense that was nationally ranked and scored over 40
points a game, Tebow can light it up again this fall. He is a threat to both
pass and run and can win another Heisman trophy with strong games vs top SEC
clubs.


2. Knowshon Moreno - RB - Georgia -
5’11” 215 lbs. - Soph
Another blue chip Georgia
tailback and former New Jersey great running back. He exploded onto the scene
with a tremendous freshman campaign that included 248 carries for 1,334 yards
for a fine 5.4 yard average. He rushed for 14 TDs and added 20 receptions for
253 yards. It was one of the greatest freshman seasons on record almost
duplicating former Bulldog runner Hershel Walker and NFL great Marshall Faulk.
His best performance came against arch rival Florida when he ran for 188 yards
and 3 TDs that were vital in the Georgia victory. He is a developing back who
continues to get bigger and combines fine quickness, speed and power. He can
also catch the ball and has the package to be a complete feature back. The
Georgia-Florida matchup on Nov.1st may determine the Heisman winner with several
prime candidates on both squads.


3. Chase
Daniel - QB - Missouri - 6’ 225 lbs. - Sr.
Senior
passer led the Tigers to their 1st Big 12 championship game last season. He is a
savvy performer in the Tigers’ spread offense with fine leadership and extensive
experience. He won Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year last season and is the
favorite to do it again. Last season, he had 384 completions of 563 attempts for
a 68% rate for 4,306 yards, 33 TDs and 11 interceptions. He will have one of the
most versatile weapons in the nation in soph WR Jeremy Maclin. He is a winner
and puts up impressive numbers as one of the nation’s more consistent leaders.
He is geared for another huge season and with big performances vs Illinois and
Texas, he could be easily one of the finalists for this
award.

4. Pat White - QB - West Virginia -
6’1” 190 lbs. - Sr.
Electrifying athlete has rare
talent for the position with the skills to be a dual threat and capable of
beating a team with his feet as well as his arm. He is the ideal option type QB
with great running skills and underrated passing ability. As a junior, he had
144 completions of 216 attempts for a fine 66% rate for 1,724 yards, 14 TDs, 4
picks with 197 rushing attempts for 1,335 yards for a 6.8 yard average and 14
rushing TDs. Over his career, he has been a huge winner and a difference maker
on the W Va club the past last 3 years directing one of the most explosive
attacks in the nation. He is capable of a fast start this fall and ranking among
the best going into key midseason contests.


5. Chris Wells - RB - Ohio St - 6’1” 235 lbs. - Jr.

This is a talented workhorse runner who combines
a rare combination of size and speed. He possesses breakaway speed with big back
power and strength. He can hit the home run or make the tough inside yardage.
Over the ’07 season, he had 274 carries, 1,609 yards for a fine 5.9 yard average
and 15 TDs. He had nine 100 yard games in ’07 with his biggest games in key
contests especially vs Michigan when he ran for 222 yards on 39 rushes with 2
TDs in their huge 14-3 win. He came up big in their loss to LSU when he rushed
for 146 yards. His early ’08 season contest with Southern Cal vs their
nationally ranked defense will test him to the fullest and will either push him
to the top of the Heisman possibilities or out of the elite candidates into the
midseason.

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