honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 5:46 a.m., Sunday, December 14, 2008

CFB: Who really heads the list of 2009 Heisman hopefuls?

By Teddy Greenstein
Chicago Tribune

Colt McCoy says he plans to return to Texas for his senior season. But who really knows?

If we're putting together a list of 2009 Heisman hopefuls, McCoy should not be on it. Same goes for nearly a dozen players who have eligibility but figure to be lured by NFL millions: Sam Bradford (Oklahoma), Shonn Greene (Iowa), Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech), Jeremy Maclin (Missouri), Knowshon Moreno (Georgia), LeSean McCoy (Pittsburgh), Matt Stafford (Georgia), Chris "Beanie" Wells (Ohio State) and Percy Harvin (Florida).

Another group of prominent players figures to remain in school: Tim Tebow (Florida), Mark Sanchez (USC), Nate Davis (Ball State), DeMarco Murray (Oklahoma), Dan LeFevour (Central Michigan) and Juice Williams (Illinois).

But instead of guessing whether these players will return to campus, let's look at five 2009 Heisman hopefuls who won't even be eligible for the upcoming NFL draft:

Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State: College football's Spud Webb burst onto the scene with 186 rushing yards against USC. The freshman finished with 1,253 rushing yards, 29 receptions and 12 touchdowns.

Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: Jones lived up to his billing as the nation's top recruit among receivers. He finished with 51 catches for 847 yards_including five for 124 yards in the SEC title game.

Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State: His throwing numbers slipped in the final two weeks, but Pryor still led the Big Ten in passing efficiency, scares defensive coordinators with his running ability and went 9-1 as a starter.

Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State: The 6-foot-2-inch sophomore posted stats similar to Crabtree's. Bryant: 74 catches for 1,313 yards and 18 TDs. Crabtree: 93 for 1,135 and 18 TDs.

Joe McKnight, RB, USC: Trojans fans hoped for Reggie Bush Jr. but have merely gotten Bush-esque moments. McKnight had a breakout Rose Bowl but was slowed by injuries this season and scored just three touchdowns.