The Heisman Trophy is given each year to the college player who is “most outstanding and whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence and integrity.” Using this criteria, we are counting down my five Heisman candidates for 2016:
5. Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma Sooners
A late bloomer of sorts for the Sooners, he is one of two Oklahoma finalists for the award. By far the best receiver of this year, Westbrook had 16 all-around TD’s (one coming off a punt return), and provided over 19.3 yds/catch. After a relatively slow start, Westbrook began dominating with the aid of Baker Mayfield, whom we’ll discuss soon enough.
Westbrook and Mayfield shared a moment as it was announced that the two of them would be going to New York together. “I get to go with you to New York.” Said Mayfield. He added, “I’ll help you write your speech.” They’ve only had two seasons together, but clearly have chemistry on and off the field. He only began playing for the Sooners last year as a JUCO transfer playing for Blinn Community College out of Texas.
Coming off a 38-20 win over Oklahoma State, the Sooners have a matchup against Auburn in the Sugar Bowl on January second, and it will take a very strong effort from Westbrook as well as poor performances from these other four candidates for Westbrook to take home the Heisman. Although Westbrook has phenomenal receiving numbers, his numbers and role on the team do not jump off the scoresheet like some other candidates.
4. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma Sooners
Baker Mayfield’s elevated play has made him a real contender for the Heisman.
Another Sooner, Mayfield continues to improve. After a stellar season last year, Mayfield continued his strong play this year. The redshirt junior has already announced that he’ll be returning for his last season of eligibility, so the likeliness that Mayfield can improve again is higher – this may not even be his best year.
Through 12 games this season, Mayfield has 38 passing and 6 rushing touchdowns. He has thrown for an outstanding 3669yds this season to go along with his over 71% completion rate. He has had another stellar season, where he threw just 8 picks.
So why is Mayfield not the favorite? Even though team stats should not matter for a personal award like the Heisman, they do because leadership counts. Leading your team to the Sugar Bowl is surely an achievement, but the inability of Mayfield to drive the Sooners to the College Football Playoff poses questioning of his leadership. He is not the only player on this list with this issue…
3. Jabrill Peppers, LB/ATH, Michigan Wolverines
Peppers, one of my personal preseason picks, comes third in my Bowl season rankings. Playing a magnificent season at multiple positions for Harbaugh and the Wolverines, Peppers can take over a game. His statistics don’t tend to jump off the page like these other candidates, but his mere versatility place him in a league of his own.
Peppers, a natural linebacker, has played almost every position for Michigan this year. He has rushed the ball for 167yds on 27 attempts, has caught passes, lined up behind center, and played almost every defensive position. He made 66 tackles this year, with 13.0 being for loss including 3 sacks. Like mentioned before, Peppers stats do not do him justice in terms of his ability to change a game.
Harbaugh has endorsed Peppers as his favorite for the award, but the chances of him winning it are rare. The committee loves game-breaking plays and large numbers, and a defensive player hasn’t won the award since Charles Woodson did so in 1997. Despite this long-standing defensive award-winning drought, leave it to Peppers to have a chance to change the record book.
2. DeShaun Watson, QB, Clemson Tigers
Is it 2015 again? Seeing Deshaun Watson here feels like déjà vu, but it is certainly deserved. After a slow start, Watson heated up on the race to the playoff. Fueled by another fantastic season under center, Watson is going to repeat on the ballot this year.
Throwing for 3914yds this year to go with his 37 passing touchdowns, his stats cannot be overlooked. Stats like these not only show his proficiency on the football, but also his consistency. Watson has rushed for 6 touchdowns and 524 yards, for over 4400 total all-purpose yards. To say that Watson is a favourite for the award would be going too far, but to say that he has a shot at the award is not. He has put together a phenomenal season yet again but has stiff competition.
To win the award, Watson needs a few things to happen: 1) Lamar Jackson needs to fall apart in his bowl game, and 2) Watson needs to throw for 450+yds, and throw for at least 4 TD’s. He has been relying on his consistency and leadership to carry him to New York and must ride that train all the way to the win.
1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville Cardinals
Where to start with Jackson? How about 30 passing touchdowns, 21 rushing touchdowns, and 4980 total yards? If the Heisman committee loves stat lines and top-notch, edge-of-your-seat action like we think, Jackson is the shoo-in candidate. He has been the favorite since about the fourth week of the season, and never slowed down.
Coming into the year as a relative unknown compared to the other candidates may have benefitted Jackson based on the wow factor. We haven’t seen a dual-threat quarterback so riveting and entertaining since Johnny Manziel a few years ago. Yes, Deshaun Watson is a more fundamental passer than Jackson, but Jackson has almost half as many picks as Watson (8 to 15ints respectively). He has the versatility like that of Peppers. It may be not at quite the same level (playing defensive positions), but it is quite high. He has passing numbers like that of Mayfield, and is ultimately incomparable to Westbrook.
Is it wrong to say that Jackson is going to win the award? Sure, his game isn’t perfect. Some say his pocket presence isn’t good enough, his leadership is questioned based on the Cardinals record (9-3), and he still has maturing as a player to do. Is the favorite? Absolutely, it would take a very rough Citrus Bowl game (or maybe a tough loss) against LSU to hurt his chances. It truly comes down to what the committee is looking for. If they are looking for what the award consists of – being the most outstanding player – then the award will go to Jackson.
Lesko’s Pick: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville Cardinals
