2006 Heisman Trophy Watch & Predictions:
The Heisman Trophy is College Footballs most prestigious award given to an individual. Gridiron Talk ADMIN PICKS for Heisman Trophy, made in June 2006.
1. Troy Smith - (The Ohio State University): Led Ohio State last year after taking over for Justin Zwick. Will be depended on this year with Santonio Holmes going to the NFL. Has a good returning class with Teddy Ginn, Jr, and Pittman in the backfield. The defense lost many players, which means Smith will have to put up more points on average in comparison to last year. He is this years Michael Robinson, as it's not a lock he will play QB in the pros.
*Week 3 Update: Troy Smith continues to lead the #1 Buckeyes, who are undefeated. Smith is a worthy candidate at this point in the season.
2. Brady Quinn (Notre Dame): Key to the Notre Dame offense. Quinn returns to a Notre Dame team with high expectations under second year coach Charlie Weiss. Quinn owns most Notre Dame passing records already and is on pace to break even more with a solid 2006 campaign. (On a sidenote, Quinn should tell his sister to tell her boyfriend A.J. Hawk to ditch the ugly mullet.
*Week 3 Update: After getting trounced by Michigan in South Bend, Quinn all but eliminated himself from contention. Quinn turned the ball over 3 times in the 47-21 loss to the Wolverines.
3. Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma): Many people forget about his tremendous freshman year. Last year the Sooners had QB struggles early, and a shaky O-Line. Look for Peterson to elevate his game with Bomar now taking control of the offense. The Sooners have high expectations this year, and for them to do any damage in the BCS, Peterson will have to be the player he was in 2004.
*Week 3 Update: Although having a strong season, the loss to Oregon will hurt Petersons chances. He will have to carry the load and showcase his skills the rest of the year, and bring OSU to prominence in the BCS.
4. Teddy Ginn, Jr. (The Ohio State University): Ginn will have to make his presence felt when the Buckeyes have national tv games. Being a multi-dimensional player, Ginn can return kicks, burn defenders as a reciever, and has Randy Moss-like speed and cuts when used in running plays. Ginn will be a marked man with Santonio Holmes gone from the offense, but if the OSU running game can open lanes for Ginn going deep, he has a shot to put up serious numbers.
*Week 3 Update: Ginn continues to score touchdowns for the Buckeyes at wide receiver, and at this point, is in the hunt. He'll need to show everyone what he can do returning the ball if he wants serious consideration, however.
New to the Race, STEVE SLATON, West Virginia RB: Slaton continues to slaughter defenses and knife through holes for the Mountaineers. His 195 yard, two touchdown performance vs. Maryland on national tv is sure to get him some more attention.
These are my four clear-cut favorites. There are several players who have displayed greatness and if given the opportunity, can catapult themselves into consideration. Some of those players include:
Michael Bush, Chris Leak, Kenny Irons, Chad Henne, Pat White, JaMarcus Russell.
*I have not thoroughly reviewed defensive players, and given the recent trend on offensive players receiving the Heisman, this will be evaluated later this summer. No disrespect to the thugs out there trying to tackle these guys mentioned above!
2007 GridironTalk.com -