Pre Season Top 10 Heisman Trophy Candidates

College football is a month away. As usual, the early Heisman Trophy candidates will be discussed heavily. Of course who will make the College Football Playoff headlines will dominate but that has become a two-team invitational between Clemson and Alabama.

Oklahoma has produced the last two winners in quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. This year Sooners’ head coach Lincoln Riley has a new dynamic signal caller in Jalen Hurts. More of a scrambler then pocket passer, Hurts definitely wants to continue the streak to three for Oklahoma.

With quarterback taking the trophy home the last two years, it could go either way this year. This year its very balanced. Expect the stars to dominate the headlines early but don’t be surprised at a few players you never heard of possibly make the trip to New York.

With all that said, here’s the top ten Heisman prospects:

 

1. Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback- Clemson: Last year was magic for the Clemson QB. Last year we had to wait for Coach Dabo Swinney to hand over the keys to the team. This year that won’t be the problem as Lawrence starts his trek of defending the national title. As long as Clemson remains at the top and he’s the driving force, it’s his trophy to lose.

Key Games: Texas A&M, Syracuse, Florida State, South Carolina

 

2. Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback- Alabama: Tagovailoa was so good last year he was sitting by the end of the first half, from blowing teams out. This year it’s different. The Junior QB must prove he can lead a team and take command as he possibly takes the next step as a first round pick.

Key Games: Texas A&M, Tennessee, Auburn, LSU

 

3. Jonathan Taylor, Runningback – Wisconsin: Taylor has been a top 5 running back since he stepped on the scene as college football player. After setting records as a true freshman, Taylor led the nation in rushing yards and was too 10 in rushing touchdowns. Taylor has the skill and another strong year will put the voters will on notice.

Key Games: Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, Purdue

 

4. Justin Herbert, Quarterback -Oregon: Herbert has quietly build himself as the best quarterback in the country over four years. That’s with three different head coaches in as many years. Now with a second season with head coach Mario Cristobal, they should build of last years success. Herbert is a dark horse in this race but don’t be surprised if he’s the one making the acceptance speech in New York.

Key Games: Auburn, Stanford, Washington, USC

 

5. Jake Fromm, Quarterback- Georgia: Fromm has done nothing but produce since his freshman season. Georgia is a dark horse favorite to win this year national title. Fromm has to be the driving force if he wants to make his case known for an invite to New York. The Bulldogs have had their share of big time quarterbacks. Fromm has the chance to be best of them all.

Key Games: Norte Dame, Florida, Auburn, Texas A&M

 

6. D’Andre Swift, Runningback – Georgia: Swift is one of the most versatile backs in the country. Not only is he explosive getting out on the edge but he’s not afraid to go between the tackles and take on linebackers. Swift has had to share the ball since he’s stepped on campus the last two years. This year he will be the featured back. He will have to show he is one of the best players in the premier conference in college football. If he does that, he will be on the voters’ radar.

Key Games: Norte Dame, Florida, Auburn, Texas A&M

 

7. AJ Dillon, Runningback – Boston College: AJ Dillon may be the best college football player you’ve never heard of. While his team may not be the most dominant in the ACC, he has been the best player in the conference. If BC can find away to crash the party, Dillon will be the reason. Dillon has unfinished business as his team did not get a chance to play in bowl game due to weather. He’s hungry for a Bowl game this year.

Key Games: Norte Dame, Clemson, Florida State, Virginia Tech

 

8. Ian Book, Quarterback-Notre Dame: Book has shown flashes that he is ready for the big time. After stepping in last year to lead the Irish to its first College Football Playoff appearance, he is clearly the leader of this team. With his talent and supporting cast that could be far. Looking at Notre Dame’s schedule, Book will be given every opportunity to shine. He just has the seize the moment which he’s done every time the opportunity presented itself.

Key Games: Georgia, Michigan, USC, Stanford

 

9. Najee Harris, Runningback – Alabama: Harris has been patient sharing the work load the last three years, now it’s his time. Harris fits the build of a prototype Alabama back: a big strong powerful runner. Alabama expects to make a National Championship run and Harris will be a major part of that. Alabama has always been at there best when they run the ball. With Harris they have a workhorse back that’s not afraid to take charge.

Key Games: Texas A&M, Tennessee, Auburn, LSU

 

10. Justin Fields, Quarterback – Ohio State: Fields is a exciting player that will set the nation on fire this year. The Buckeye quarterback has the skill set to possibly be the best player in the country. During his limited time in Georgia last year he showed he belonged on the field. Now at Ohio State he has all the tools to make a National Championship run.

Key Games: Michigan State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan