Heisman Top 10: Difficult for Jameis Winston to repeat
For the second year in a row and the fourth time in seven years, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner will return to defend his crown. Jameis Winston follows in the footsteps of Johnny Manziel, Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow, recent Heisman returnees whose failed trophy defense help prove a simple point:
It's easier to win the Heisman - something only 77 players in college football history have done - than to defend the Heisman - something achieved only once, by former Ohio State running back Archie Griffin in 1975.
And so Winston battles history, not to mention Clemson, Louisville, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, Florida and the handful of other Football Bowl Subdivision programs with realistic expectations of playing for the 2014 national championship.
Winston might not be the overwhelming preseason favorite, judging not only by Heisman history but the scrutiny that has accompanied his turn as Florida State's starting quarterback. He does remain one of the leading contenders, however, along with nine other quarterbacks and running backs across college football.
1. QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon
Mariota might have claimed the Heisman a season ago, his second as the triggerman behind the Ducks' offense, if not for an October knee injury that derailed his dual-threat effectiveness - while also derailing Oregon's hopes of an undefeated regular season. One year later, a noticeably bigger and stronger Mariota has the arm strength, running ability and grasp of Mark Helfrich's up-tempo offense to lead Oregon to a perfect run through the Pac-12. If Oregon does just that, it'll be hard to stop Mariota's charge at the Heisman.
2. QB Bryce Petty, Baylor
Petty's standing hinges on the Bears' ability to reclaim the Big 12 title, but Baylor is viewed at worst as one of the league's three best teams. If Baylor does win another 10 or more games, Petty's numbers should justify heavy Heisman consideration. Keep in mind that Petty and this offense moves forward without running back Lache Seastrunk and key offensive lineman Cyril Richardson, so Petty will truly serve as the centerpiece of the Art Briles' seemingly unstoppable offense. Thought another way, another banner season should be viewed as even more impressive as Petty's amazingly effective starting debut.
Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston(Photo: Melina Vastola, USA TODAY Sports)
3. QB Jameis Winston, Florida State
Like Manziel a season ago, Winston will need to produce at an even higher clip - and lead FSU to another undefeated regular season - to remain at the forefront of the Heisman race. I wouldn't bet against Winston taking a substantial step forward in his second full season; judging by his work with the Seminoles' recent quarterbacks, Jimbo Fisher has a profound impact on his returning starters under center. Perhaps Winston's biggest hurdle comes from how Heisman voters view his off-field missteps.
4. QB Brett Hundley, UCLA
Hundley is the total package. He's also the centerpiece of UCLA's projected run at a spot in the College Football Playoff, an under-the-radar charge that should develop major momentum by midseason. In terms of importance to his team's efforts, Hundley is absolutely irreplaceable. But he does have to deal with Mariota in his own conference - and as great as both are, one is going to make noise at the expense of the other.
Gurley stands as the SEC's best shot at the Heisman. He's also the key to Georgia's hopes of fulfilling its preseason hopes: Mark Richt and the Bulldogs are quietly brimming with confidence after a disappointing 2013 season. Gurley is going to lead the charge offensively with the change at quarterback, meaning his numbers will be more than impressive enough to stand as the top Heisman contender at his position.
6. QB Nick Marshall, Auburn
Marshall was learning Auburn's playbook on the fly a year ago, essentially giving Gus Malzahn and the Tigers a touch more knowledge and experience under center with each passing week. It's frightening to consider what Marshall can achieve - and how good this offense can be - with a full offseason under his belt. He's not going to set the SEC afire with his arm, but look for Marshall to approach 3,500 yards of total offense and account for 30 or more touchdowns.
Marshall Thundering Herd quarterback Rakeem Cato(Photo: Peter Casey, USA TODAY Sports)
7. QB Rakeem Cato, Marshall
As the strongest Heisman contender from outside the major-conference picture, Cato's chances do rely in huge part on Marshall's ability to win 11 or more games during the regular season. Don't sleep on his production: Cato threw for 3,916 yards and 39 touchdowns a season ago, with both totals ranking among the nation's best, and will be provide another round of jaw-dropping totals as a senior.
8. QB Keenan Reynolds, Navy
The most prolific running quarterback in college football - and one of the most prolific in college football history - returns for his second full season as the Midshipmen's starter. As a sophomore, Reynolds accounted for an FBS quarterback-record 31 touchdowns to go with 1,346 rushing yards and 1,057 yards and eight scores through the air. It's not all about numbers, as impressive as they are: Reynolds will also have the opportunity to strut his stuff against Ohio State and Notre Dame before capping the regular season against rival Army.
9. RB Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska
Perhaps no single player is as vital to his team's conference-championship hopes. Abdullah has almost soundlessly stated his case as the most productive running back in college football, leading the Cornhuskers' powerful running game since his sophomore season with wonderful vision, an exciting burst and underrated power between the tackles. His team needs to prove itself after another four-loss season, but Abdullah is easily one of the best players in the country.
10. QB Jacob Coker, Alabama
Coker's a bit of a wild card due to his lack of starting experience, but three factors place him in the Heisman mix. The first is his talent: Coker came close to earning the starting job at Florida State last offseason before transferring after the BCS National Championship Game - nearly bypassing Jameis Winston, and it was closer than some might think. The second is his surrounding talent with the Crimson Tide, from another solid offensive line to skill players such as wide receiver Amari Cooper and running backs T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry. Finally, Coker has the advantage of playing quarterback at Alabama, and Heisman voters are kind to the starting quarterbacks on the nation's best teams.
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