2009 Heisman Hopefulls Ed. 1

My first “Heisman Hopeful” list is out. I hope you enjoy. I have categorized each to make it more understandable for the myopic fan base.

The “Clear-Cut” Category

1. Jimmy Clausen: He had a terrible freshman and sophomore campaign. So what. Get over it. There is no argument when it comes to Clausen being in contention for the most coveted award in college football. His defense (specifically his secondary) is softer than a roll of Charmin Toilet Paper. He’s thrown only 2 INTs in over 190 attempts so far this season (third in passing efficiency). Also, if it was not for Clausen’s clutch performances in three or four games (Look: Michigan State, Purdue, and Washington), then the Irish are looking at a 1-5 or possibly a winless record. Quit being delusional and myopic. The kid’s got game. He’s a “playa!” Your talking about a guy who: A) lost his main target (Michael Floyd) for the year and B) has a defense that has more holes than a pair of mesh shorts. Better said then done, he’s fantastic.

2. Mark Ingram: He rushed for 728 yards and 12 TDs in his freshman campaign, and this season has been no less than brilliant after carrying the workload for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Ingram has solidified himself in the top echelon of Heisman Hopefuls. This year, Ingram has rushed for 905 yards with 8 TDs. He’s also became a receiving threat out of the backfield where he has caught 19 footballs for 186 yards and 3 TDs. There is no question Ingram should be one of the Top 3 candidates at the moment. The Tide are my “New Orleans Saints Team” of college football … another wards, I am going to pick them every week until they lose. I do NOT care who they play! Ingram plays a significant role on a BCS team and I expect him to make the trip to the Big Apple.

The “Have To Put Them In By Default” Category

3. Tim Tebow: The Florida Gators are a “National Powerhouse” with “National Powerhous” attention (rightfully so) therefore, Tebow is likely to be sitting in the Hilton Ballroom in New York. I am not a believer of Tebow actually throwing down the field. That;s no bash to Urban Meyer’s system, but T.T. is not necessarily putting up “GUADY” numbers (72/110 1,032 8TD’s). Listen, lets be simplictic about this situation. Tebow is a phenomenal athlete with tremendous passion for the college football sport. ‘Everybody oves the kid, and there is nothing you can do about it HATERS.

4. Colt McCoy: Like Tebow, McCoy has to prove something MORE. Neither of the two has impressed the nation as we expected leading to this column. Like Clausen though, McCoy does not have the greatest defense in the world.

Note: I love Will Muschamp (Defensive coordinator), and he has improved his young defense drastically from Week 1.

In the end, McCoy will be another “By Default” candidate, but that’s the way it works in this college landscape we live in today.

The “Wish I Played In A Different Conference” Category

5. Case Keenum: Listen, his chances are all but done after losing to UTEP. But he’s thrown for almost 2,500 yards in 6 games (5-1) and 19 TDs.

6. Kellen Moore: It will be a rough road for the sophomore QB to make it to New York because he is not from a major-BCS conference. Do not sleep on Moore though. With the Broncos sitting comfortably in the five spot of the latest (first) BCS rankings, Moore has the opportunity to put up great numbers on an undefeated team.

Note: Don’t forget the fact that Boise State plays 13 regular season games. They would be the first team to go 13-0 in the regular season in college football history. A lot of things would have to happen for Moore to win, but nevertheless, he deserves some votes.

The “Guy On The Island” Category

7. Jahvid Best: “I Dominate Crème Puffs On Saturdays” By: Jahvid Best. The guy ran for over 412 yards and 8 TD’s (including a 5-TD performance against the Minnesota Gophers) in his first three games. He neither rushed for over 100 yards nor scored a TD in the “Big Boy” games – vs. USC and @Oregon. That being said, he’s got an outside chance.

Good luck Mr. Best. It just doesn’t look like you’ll be in race at the end of the year due to two poor performances. As football fans, we want the best every single week. Talk to your best friend in the conference who will likely make a lot of people’s Heisman ballet by the end of the year – Toby Gerhart – or even JaQuizz Rodgers.