The dawn of college football is slowly approaching us (114 days, but who’s counting?) With the exciting plays and upsets around the corner, it is never too early to talk predictions and favorites for the Heisman Trophy. While this list is for quarterbacks only, any one of these fine young men may be sitting in New York City, waiting for their name to be called. In no particular order, here are the five quarterbacks you should watch out for next year:
1. AJ McCarron, Senior, Alabama
Although he may not be the overall best quarterback on this list, McCarron does have an edge over all others: Championships. AJ has now won two national titles since coming to Alabama in 2010, and coach Nick Saban has another strong supporting cast that could easily win a third in a row, which would also be the 4th championship in 5 years for the Tide. With Sophomore sensations Amari Cooper and TJ Yeldon at wide receiver and running back, McCarron shouldn’t miss a beat on offense. Throwing for 2933 yards and an amazing 30-3 touchdown to interception ratio, AJ McCarron has the team and the talent to lead Alabama to another great year.
2. Braxton Miller, Junior, Ohio State
With OSU on NCAA probation with no bowl eligability last year, the spotlight was lightly taken away from Miller and his Buckeyes. Finishing 12-0 and defeating three teams ranked in the top 25 along the way, Ohio State is now an early favorite to win the Legends division in the B1G and ultimately contend for a BCS bowl berth. With head coach Urban Meyer in his second year, Miller should now better his understanding of the system and show his talents. While the numbers aren’t as impressive and shiny as others (15 TD, 6 INT last year), Braxton has the keen ability to make big plays happen when the time is right. Being a dual threat quarterback never hurt anyone either, rushing for over 1,000 yards and 13 TD’s in 2012. With Ohio State on the verge of another fantastic year, look for Braxton Miller to assert himself early and often, whether it be his arm or legs.
3. Johnny Manziel, Sophomore, Texas A&M
Needless to say, everybody saw this one coming. Capturing the hearts of football fans last year, Johnny “Football” accomplished something that had never been done, winning the Heisman Memorial Trophy as a freshman. How did he do it some may ask, well he did it in style. Running all over the field and making Tecmo Bowl type plays, Manziel passed for a whopping 3,706 yards and 26 TD’s in his freshmen campaign. Hold the phone folks, he can run too. 1,409 yards and 21 touchdowns later, Johnny finds himself on this list as a favorite to return to the Heisman announcement ceremony in 2013. While Ryan Swope is gone and now in the NFL, the leading reciever for A&M is fellow sophomore Mike Evans. With the already dangerous combination of Manziel to Evans thriving, expect even more action to come from Johnny Football in 2013.
4. Teddy Bridgewater, Junior, Louisville
While the Louisville Cardinal athletic program is known for it’s basketball success, football is on the rise in the Derby City, thanks to Teddy Bridgewater. The 2012 season contained 3,718 yards and 27 touchdowns for Bridgewater, earning a birth in the Sugar Bowl where Louisville upset Florida and shocked just about everybody and their mother. While you won’t find the rushing stats comparible to either Manziel or Miller, Teddy is able to escape pressure and make plays with his feet when needed. With the Big East label put on Louisville (Who is moving to the ACC in 2014), Bridgewater is unfortunately over looked. However, with receiving threat Devante Parker and company ready to crash the party next year, Teddy Bridgewater is a darkhorse candidate for the Heisman Trophy.
5. Aaron Murray, Senior, Georgia
At first when I started this list, the above four quarterbacks were an absolute lock. It was the fifth, however, that was so elusive. After doing some research, it was down to between Murray and Tajh Boyd of Clemson. I finally came to my senses. While Boyd is my honorable mention, Aaron Murray is the quarterback I would rather have, respectively. With a second best NCAA passer rating, only second to Mr. McCarron, Murray’s stats simply cannot be ignored. With 3,893 yards and 36 TD’s on his resume, Murray makes Georgia an immediate threat to hopes of another championship in the state of Alabama. With sophomore running back Todd Gurley running for over 100 yards in 9 games last year, the run game should help Aaron with the balanced offense that Georgia runs. Coming back for his senior season and ready to make a strong run in the SEC, Aaron Murray will continue to rack up his stats, and hopefully for UGA fans, rack up some wins along the way.
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