Lamar Jackson tops Heisman Trophy finalists
Thursday 8 December 2016 09:18, UK
The Heisman Memorial Trophy is the highest accolade for a collegiate American football player.
First awarded in 1935 to the most outstanding player in Mississippi, the honour was later expanded to the whole of the United States.
There have been some notable players to win the award and go on to illustrious NFL careers, including Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett and Barry Sanders, who have all been inducted into the Pro-football Hall of Fame.
However, the accolade doesn't guarantee success. Jonny Manziel, the only freshman to win the Heisman, lasted just two years with the Cleveland Browns before being released. Highly celebrated college quarterback Tim Tebow arrived in the NFL but failed to impress at the next level and is now pursuing a baseball career.
Cam Newton, Jameis Winston and last year's winner Derrick Henry are all now featuring regularly in the NFL, and the 2016 nominees will be hoping they can follow suit when the winner is announced on Saturday in New York.
1. Lamar Jackson, Quarterback, Louisville
Although the team suffered a disappointing end to the season with back-to-back losses, the second year quarterback has impressed throughout, leading the Heisman race from the early part of the season.
Jackson's numbers are incredible, having accumulated 4,928 yards (3,390 throwing, 1,538 rushing) and 51 total touchdowns. He should feel confident; the last two QBs who registered over 20 touchdowns from both passing and running (Tebow, Newton) won their respective years.
2. Baker Mayfield, Quarterback, Oklahoma
Another passer in contention, Mayfield led his team to the Big 12 conference despite them losing two of their first three games. Originally enrolled at Texas Tech University, Mayfield sought a transfer after a 'miscommunication' with coaching staff. Due to conference rules, he had to sit out the 2015 year, but has excelled in 2016.
Mayfield threw for 3,669 yards and 30 touchdown passes in his first season with the Sooners, and has already committed to staying on for his senior year.
3. Jabrill Peppers, Linebacker, Michigan
As versatile as they come, Peppers is equally adept as a linebacker, safety, or punt returner. He ranked fifth nationally in yards per punt return, and was part of a great defence that led the Wolverines to a 10-2 record.
Defenders are a rare sight when it comes to the Heisman trophy. The last to make it as a finalist was Manti Te'o in 2012, and the last defensive winner was Charles Woodson in 1997. Many analysts consider Peppers an NFL-ready player and are already talking about him as 2017 first round draft pick.
4. Deshaun Watson, Quarterback, Clemson
Many are predicting that Watson will be the first quarterback off the board in 2017, which makes him a likely target for the Cleveland Browns or San Francisco 49ers. Clemson have returned to the college play-offs for a second year running, thanks to Watson's 43 total touchdowns.
Watson finished third in Heisman voting last year, and built on that with another strong campaign, where he led his conference in passing attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns.
5. Dede Westbrook, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma
The first receiver nominated since Amari Cooper's invite in 2013, Westbrook is the second player from Oklahoma to make the bill. The senior had 11 touchdowns in October alone, combining with Mayfield for 16 scores in total.
As the team embarked on a nine-game winning run to close the season, Westbrook had a touchdown in every one and 100+ yards in eight of those victories.
