2011 Heisman Trophy Favorites, Contenders and Expert Picks – Heisman Trophy Predictions, Forecast and Preview: The Heisman Memorial Trophy is the pinnacle of individual honors in the college football world. However, it can be argued that the prestigious award is actually a team accomplishment. Heisman candidates rarely come from teams that aren’t in the national title hunt and eventual winners are almost always from one of the elite teams in country. As a result, candidates often emerge as the year progresses and the top teams begin to separate themselves from the pack. That being said, not all Heisman favorites come out of nowhere, and a handful of players already have serious buzz as the 2011 approaches.
2011 Heisman Trophy Favorites and Contenders
1. Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford
Luck passed on the opportunity to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft to return to Stanford and pursue a national title. Along the way, there is a good chance he will collect the Heisman Trophy. Luck completed an incredible 70.7 percent of his passes last season, while throwing 32 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions. He finished the year with a QB Rating of 170.2. Both his rating and completion percentage were tops among quarterbacks from BCS conferences.
With an ideal frame and a cannon arm, Luck should be in line for a 40-plus touchdown season in 2011. Coming off a 12-1 campaign, Stanford should be in the mix for a national title once again. If Luck can keep the Cardinal undefeated, he will probably be a lock to win the award. A showdown with defending PAC-10 champ and national title runner-up Oregon will likely determine Stanford’s season and could make a break Luck’s Heisman candidacy.
2. LaMichael James, Running Back, Oregon
James helped guide the Ducks to the national title game one year ago, and he returns this season to try to finish the job and maybe collect some personal hardware along the way. With a freaky combination of power and speed, James has the ability to put up some ridiculous numbers. His talent was on full display last season when he ranked third in the nation with 1,622 rushing yards and second in the nation with 21 rushing scores. His 135.2 yards per game were second best in the nation as well, and James averaged 5.5 yards every time he carried the ball.
With another year of experience, James should only improve his totals from a year ago, and he will need to in order to win the Heisman. If he approaches 2,000 yards and cracks the 20 touchdown barrier once again, he will have a legitimate shot at winning the Heisman. A statement performance against Stanford late in the season in a game that could decide one half of the national title picture would be a huge boost to his chances.
3. Landry Jones, Quarterback, Oklahoma
One of the quickest routes to becoming a Heisman finalist is quarterbacking the No. 1 team in the nation. Jones will have that honor to start the 2011 season, and there is a good chance he will help keep the Sooners atop the rankings for the duration of the regular season. If that happens, the numbers Jones puts up in a high-powered Oklahoma attack should be more than enough to make him one of the favorites for the award.
Last season, Jones put the ball in the air more than 600 times, tallying 4,718 yards and 38 touchdowns when all was said and done. With running back DeMarco Murray departed for the NFL, Jones will be counted on to do even more this year, driving up his already impressive totals. If the Sooners run the table as many predict, Jones will find himself in the thick of the Heisman hunt.
4. Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama
He has been hiding in the shadow of Mark Ingram the last two years, but Trent Richardson will get a chance to be the feature back for the Crimson Tide in 2011.Playing for an Alabama team that is expected to be in the mix for the national title and in an offensive system that propelled Ingram to a Heisman, it’s easy to understand why Richardson could be a serious contender this year. Not to mention the fact that he put up impressive numbers even in limited action.
Combining the numbers he amassed in his two seasons as a reserve reveals a glimpse of Richardson’s potential once he is let loose. He rushed for 1,432 yards at 5.6 yards per carry and punched in 18 touchdowns. As the lead back, the touchdowns should only increase. If Richardson plays a key role in an SEC title-winning season for the Tide, he could find himself joining Ingram as a Heisman Trophy winner.
5. Marcus Lattimore, Running Back, South Carolina
As a freshman last season, Lattimore quickly emerged as the workhorse of the Gamecocks’ offense, helping South Carolina play for the SEC championship. He topped 170 yards three times during the year, finishing with 1,164 rushing yards and breaking the plane 17 times. His statement game came on the road against Florida when he rushed for 209 yards and three scores. Lattimore added 412 yards through the air, showcasing is versatility which fits well in a Steve Spurrier offensive system.
Only a sophomore, Lattimore will likely be leaned on even more in 2011, driving his rushing and receiving totals even higher. That being said, the key for his Heisman candidacy is going to be how well the Gamecocks perform as a team. If South Carolina can manage to win 10 or more games and Lattimore can pile up 2,000-plus yards of offensive and 20 or more scores, he will definitely be in the Heisman discussion. The stats probably won’t be a problem, but the win total might be.
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