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Heisman Trophy Candidates ‘08 - Top Ten

Photo - QB Chase Daniel - Missouri

1. QB Tim Tebow - 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.

6. Percy Harvin - WR - Florida - 5’11” 180 lbs. - Jr.
Explosive playmaker has been a difference maker over his short career. He has struggled with injuries over his stay and starts the season with some heel problems that could limit him some early action. Over the 2007 season, he had 59 receptions for 858 yards and 4 TDs with 83 carries for 764 yards and another 6TDs despite missing two games. He has been is one of the most dangerous weapons in college football and will compete with teammate Tim Tebow for voters interest. He must show that he can stay healthy for an entire season especially to match impact and overall numbers with other candidates.

7. Michael Crabtree - WR - Texas Tech - 6’3” 215 lbs. - Soph
Gifted receiver is a huge target with tremendous hands and game breaking speed. He can catch the ball over the middle, and hit the home run from anywhere on the field. Over his freshman season, he had a dominant performance with 134 receptions for 1,962 yards, a 14.6 yard average and 22 TDs. He plays in a system that gets him the ball consistently and he should duplicate those numbers despite special attention this fall. He had 8 games of 10 catches+ with eleven 100 yard contests including back to back impressive weeks vs Big 12 power clubs, Texas and Oklahoma. He is a rare athletic specimen and capable of being the best in the nation once again.

8. Jeremy Maclin - WR - Missouri - 6’1” 205 lbs - Soph
One of the most versatile and dangerous playmakers in the nation as a receiver, runner and returner. In just his freshman year, he led the NCAA with a freshman record of 2,776 total yards that was just short of 200 yards per game. As a freshman, he had 80 receptions for 1,055 yards and 9 TDs and 51 carries for 375 yards and 4 TDs. He scored as a wide receiver, a rusher and as both a punt returner and kick returner. He finished 2nd as the Big 12 Freshman of the Year to
Michael Crabtree. He combines rare speed and fine size with all has the tools to duplicate his freshman performance. He will compete for voters attention with teammate QB Chase Daniel among others.

9. Matthew Stafford - QB - Georgia - 6’3” 235 lbs. - Jr.
Emerging leader for the highly ranked Bulldogs. He has the size and the ability to be at the top of this list with furthers improvement and development. He must improve his accuracy and overall numbers to move up in this talent group of candidates. Over the 2007 season, he had only 56% completion rate for 2,523 yards, 19 TDs and 10 interceptions. Teammate RB Knowshon Moreno will be a cornerstone performer and keep defenses honest but both players overall production could be limited by a deep and talented offense. He faces one of the toughest schedules in the country that could push him up quickly if he produces in big game situations.

10. Graham Harrell - QB - Texas Tech - 6’3” 200 lbs. - Sr.
Terrific triggerman for Mike Leach’s offensive system that annually is at the top in the country in passing. Over the 2007 season, he threw an incredible 713 times with 512 completions for an impressive 71% for 5,705 yards, 48 TDs and 14 interceptions. He is a savvy leader and a very accurate passer who directs this attack flawlessly. The presence of gifted wide receiver Michael Crabtree helps his cause but how he produces vs Big 12 powers Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma will determine his rank in this talented class of honorees.

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Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team polls and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for the Super 16 College Team Polls throughout the season that will present Grantland Rice award to the national champion in January ’09. He is also a voter for All-American teams at the conclusion of each season.