Monte Ball RB Wisconsin2011 Stats: 275 carries for 1,759 yards 33 TDs, 6 receiving TDs
Why he might win: Monte Ball was a finalist for the award last year and returns this year as one of the favorites to win the award. Last year he was a TD machine with 39 totals scores. He also had to do with with the dynamic Russell Wilson flinging the ball around. This year Wilson is gone and the Badgers could go back to running the ball even more. That only helps out Ball who could increase those numbers. However if Ball has any lingering affects from a concussion suffered in a fight, he could miss some time.
Matt Barkley QB USC2011 Stats: 3528 yards passing 39 TDs
Why he might win: After a stellar junior season where Matt Barkley threw for over 3,528 yards with a 69% completion percentage and 39 TDs, he could have easily gone pro and battled it out with RG3 to be the 2nd QB taken in the NFL Draft. However he decided to return with the goal of helping USC win another National Title. Word is also getting around that Head Coach Lane Kiffin also told Barkley that if he came back he'd help him win a Heisman Trophy. That tells me that USC will be looking to throw the ball more often and with two good receivers in Robert Woods and Marqise Lee he should have no trouble improving on his great numbers from last year. An added bonus is that the Trojans are eligible for post season play now and an added Pac 12 Title game will only help him showcase his talents more.
Rex Burkhead RB Nebraska
2011 Stats: 284 carries for 1,357 yards 15 TDs
Why he might win: Burkhead might now have the best stats of anybody on this list, but he might be the most important player to his teams success. Nebraska leans on Burkhead when they need him the most and even when opposing teams know that he is going to get the ball he is still able to get the job done. Last year against Ohio State he was huge in the 2nd half comeback that allowed the Huskers to get their biggest win of the season. He did both by rushing and receiving. Heck Nebraska also doesn't hesitate to put him at QB in their Wildcat package where he ekes out the tough yards. Burkhead might be a long shot this year, but Nebraska has a favorable schedule and if they are rolling it will be because of this man.
Zach Metteberger QB LSU2011 Stats: 92 yards 1 TD
Why he might win: Not to many people throw for less than 100 yards and only 1 TD and then end up as one of the players to watch for the Heisman Trophy. Well that's true, but most of those players aren't playing for powerhouse LSU who is one of the favorites for the National Title. Metteberger (transfer from Georgia) steps into the starting role after the disaster that was Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee. Unlike the previous starters, Metteberger has a cannon for an arm and is a true pocket passer. He wow'd everybody at the LSU spring game with his arm and the anticipation for this season is palpable. LSU will be in the National Title hunt and if Metteberger can get the ball to all the talented players LSU has at the skills positions he might find himself with a front row seat in New York for the trophy presentation.
Aaron Murray QB Georgia2011 Stats: 3149 yards 35 TDs
Why he might win: Ever since Mark Richt has become the head coach at Georgia the Bulldogs have always had talent at the QB position. Murray had big shoes to fill in Matt Stafford, but he has done a great job of getting better each year. He didn't put up eye popping numbers last year, but he may be asked to carry more of a load this year due to the absence of a strong running game (Isaiah Crowell dismissed). This may lead the Georgia airing it out more and increasing the stats and exposure for Murray. Add in that Georgia is the favorite to win the SEC East and he'll have a chance to show off his talent in the SEC Title game. Let's also not forget that a SEC player has one the Heisman Trophy 3 out of the last 5 years. A strong season from him and his team could make him the next.
Dennard Robinson QB Michigan2011 Stats: 2173 yards passing 20 TDs, 1176 rushing 16 TDs
Why he might win: Robinson might be the most explosive player in college football. He is a threat to score a TD every time he touches the ball. Also helps that he touches it every play playing QB. He ran for over 1,000 yards last year and scored 16 times. But the biggest improvement was his passing. He gets knocked for being a bad passer, but he isn't has horrible as people make him out to be. If he can limit his interceptions (15 last year) his stats will only get better. Michigan is the favorite to win the Big 10 this year and a big season and a Big 10 Championship will make it hard for voters to ignore him.
De'Anthony Thomas RB Oregon2011 Stats: 595 7 TDs 605 9 TDs
Why he might win: It wasn't till half way through the year, but once Oregon found a role for Thomas he really exposed and the Ducks offense which was good, became lethal. Thomas was a threat to take it to the house every time he touched the ball, and Oregon knew it. In a way to get him on the field they lined him up all over. Whether it was in the backfield as a traditional RB, either in motion from the outside, or as a receiver. He combined for 15 TDs and over 1,000 total yards. What helps Thomas case this year is the fact that Oregon will be without QB Darron Thomas or RB LeMichael James. This leaves Thomas and Kenjon Barner as the only two established stars on the team. This should only increase Thomas impact and allow him to make an even further mark on the college lascape.
Logan Thomas QB Virginia Tech2011 Stats: 3,013 yards passing 19 TDs, 469 rushing 11 TDs
Why he might win: While Logan Thomas didn't start off the season very strong, he really picked up steam at the end of the year. Thomas ended the season with respectable stats, but there is plenty of optimism for him this season. If he continues to develop as a passer he could become the 2nd coming of Cam Newton who can beat you with a strong arm and as a powerful runner. Add in that VaTech plays in the water downed ACC and it isn't too big of a stretch for them to finish as one of the best teams in the Nation.
Tyler Wilson QB Arkansas
2011 Stats: 3,638 yards 24 TDs
Why he might win: Everything was set up for Wilson to have a huge year. Sure he was without his top three wide receivers, but there was still a ton of talent on the roster and in Bobby Petrino's offense Wilson would get his chance to wing the ball around the field. However with Petrino having his off the field issues which cost him his job, it also could hurt Wilson's chances of a huge season. Sure they have Bobby's brother Paul running the offense, but it won't be the same. Also don't forget RB Knile Davis is returning which should take some of stardom away him him.
Robert Woods WR USC2011 Stats: 1292 yards 15 TDs
Why he might win: A Wide Receiver hasn't won the award since Tim Brown did it back in 1987. And we all know that this is a QB's award. However if anybody is going to break that streak it could be Woods. He is clearly the top WR in the nation and has one of the best QB's throwing him the ball. Early last year he was the only offense USC had and Barkley threw the ball to him almost every time. However, this year will be different. Marqise Lee has emerged and don't forget about Silas Redd joining the Trojans. It will be very hard, but it's not impossible.
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