2011 Heisman Trophy Betting – Top 5 Defensive Heisman Candidates and Favorites for 2011-12 Season

2011 Heisman Trophy Preview – Top 5 Defensive Heisman Candidates and Favorites for 2011-12 Season: The last time a defensive player won the Heisman Memorial Trophy was when Michigan’s Charles Woodson took home the honors in 1997. In fact, he is the only player to operate primarily on the defensive side of the ball to win the Heisman in the history of the award, and he had to play kick returner and a little bit of wide receiver to convince voters. In other words, the chances that a defensive player will win the award in 2011 are extremely slim, but at 200/1 odds, it is worth looking at the players capable of bucking the trend.

2011 Heisman Trophy Preview – Top 5 Defensive Players: Favorites and Contenders

1. Mark Barron, Safety, Alabma

If a defense player is going to win the Heisman, they are going to have to play for one of the best teams in the nation. Therefore, the leader of a Crimson Tide defense that is expected to be the best in the country is a good place to start. Alabama safety Mark Barron does it all in the secondary and can defend both the run and the pass effectively. Last season, he finished with 77 tackles, three interceptions and two sacks. If Barron can improve those numbers this year and make a few key plays in the Tide’s biggest games, he may be able to get his name in the conversation.

2. Jayron Hosely, Cornerback, Virginia Tech

Playing for an always stout Virginia Tech defense will help Hosely put up big numbers, and he flourished last season when he led the nation with nine interceptions. As important as forcing turnovers and shutting down wide receivers will be to his Heisman chances, Hosely’s ability to be an impact player on special teams will ultimately determine whether or not he has a shot. A blocked punt or two or a punt return for a touchdown in a crucial game could at least force voters to consider him. The precursor is that the Hokies have to find a way to win the ACC for the fourth time in five years.

3. Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Boston College

Kuechly holds the impressive distinction of being the only player on this list that has a chance of winning the Heisman even if his team isn’t in the national title picture. The Boston College linebacker has amassed ridiculous numbers since coming to campus, logging 142 tackles in 2009-10 and 183 last season. Not to mention the fact he chipped in with three interceptions. Kuechly is a tackling machine, and if he finishes with more than 200 in 2011-12, the voters almost have to throw him a little love. If he can somehow add two of three defensive scores in there, Kuechly has the numbers to really threaten an upset.

4. Brandon Jenkins, Defensive End, Florida State

Jenkins enters the year as the top NFL prospect at defensive end, and he has earned that status with his play on the field. He tallied 13.5 sacks last season, and he will be the centerpiece of a loaded Florida State defense in 2011-12. A lot has to go right for Jenkins to even garner Heisman consideration, but he has enough talent and is playing for a team that many expect to contend for a national title. If Jenkins can approach 20 sacks and the Seminoles can knock off Oklahoma en route to a perfect season, voters may look his way.

5. Vontaze Burfict, Linebacker, Arizona State

In terms of pure talent, Burfict may be the best defender in the country. His combination of size and speed at the linebacker position is just plain scary. The problem has been getting Burfict to give maximum effort on every snap. If he can produce on a consistent basis, he has the big play ability to get recognized on the national scale. From laying out running back to blindsiding quarterbacks, Burfict is a highlight reel on defense. If he can top 100 tackle, approach 10 sacks, and add some defensive scores, his reputation could be enough to carry him into the Heisman mix.

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