Two years ago, Johnny Manziel took the college football world by storm. The first freshman ever to win the Heisman Trophy, Manziel was a TRUE dual-threat QB. He had uncanny accuracy and was extremely elusive in the pocket and when he tucked it away and ran. In 2013, Jameis Winston came in and topped Manziel's never-before-seen season with a National Championship to boot. In a word: dominant. And last year, Marcus Mariota put together one of the most efficient seasons and led Oregon all the way to the National Championship game. Quarterbacks have reigned supreme, and it hasn't been since Mark Ingram won in 2009 that another position has won the award. With a lot of top QBs gone including the past two Heisman winners, a running back could very well reclaim the award in 2015.
1. Cody Kessler, USC - QB
Cody Kessler quietly had one of the best years at quarterback in the country last year, throwing for 3,826 yards, 39 TDs, and only 5 interceptions. He has the entire offensive line back to protect him and a bevy of talented skill players to throw to. JuJu Smith was an All-Conference performer as a true freshman and CB Adoree' Jackson could play more offense this year. However, if Jackson is able to put up good numbers as a receiver, he may steal the hardware from his QB.
2. Trevone Boykin, TCU - QB
With ten starters back on TCU's potent offense, this isn't much of a prediction. He has already played at a Heisman level, and with the same pieces around him, not much should change. The defense loses some key pieces, but if that means more shootouts, then that also means bigger numbers. Not to mention, the Horned Frogs are hungry after being left out of the Playoff last year.
3. JT Barrett/Cardale Jones, Ohio State - QB
Alex Smith became the first overall pick after playing in Urban Meyer's system at Utah. Tim Tebow won the Heisman after playing in Urban Meyer's system at Florida. JT Barrett was an All-American after playing in Urban Meyer's system at Ohio State. And Cardale Jones won the National Championship after playing in Urban Meyer's system at Ohio State. See a trend here? Whoever winds up being the starter will almost certainly be in New York for the Heisman ceremony.
4. Nick Chubb, Georgia - RB
While the Bulldogs will be breaking in a new QB yet again, and with four players returning from a line that averaged the highest yards per carry average in Mark Richt's tenure, the sophomore sensation should be primed for a huge season. Chubb at times looked even better than Todd Gurley when the first round draft pick was injured. And while he has talented players behind him, he will get the majority of the carries in 2015.
5. Seth Russell, Baylor - QB
Art Briles' system is beginning to look a lot like Urban Meyer's. Not that the two are all that similar schematically, but they both produce award-winning QBs. Seth Russell has waited patiently for three years, and is now ready to take the reigns in Waco. He doesn't have too much experience, but he did throw for 8 TDs and 1 Interception last year. With nine players back on offense, Russell has a lot of talent at his disposal. He will certainly put up big numbers this year.
6. Deshaun Watson, Clemson - QB
The former five star recruit took the ACC by storm last season as a true freshman. Well actually he took the SEC by storm too after looking excellent in part time against Georgia and ending Clemson's drought against South Carolina on a torn ACL. If Watson can get protection from his new offensive line and stay healthy, he will be in the discussion.
Just missed the cut: Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott, LSU RB Leonard Fournette, Alabama RB Derrick Henry, Auburn QB Jeremy Johnson, Florida State QB Everett Golson, Georgia Tech QB Justin Thomas, Pittsburgh RB James Conner
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2015 PREVIEW
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