My Heisman Candidates-2013 Edition

1. Braxton Miller – He is very similar to last year’s winner in Johnny Manziel. Braxton Miller is clearly the rock to his football team just like Johnny was a season ago. He is definitely the offensive MVP to the Buckeyes as Johnny is to the Aggies in Texas. Braxton is a very special football player. Last season, he accounted for 3,580 of the Buckeyes’ 5,085 plays. If this kid can stay healthy and can continue to put Ohio State in the best position to win football games in 2013, I could see Braxton as the next Buckeye to win the Heisman.

2. Johnny Manziel - Of course he was going to be on here. What a year this guy had in 2012. One of my radio correspondents has called Johnny Football the “new edition Doug Flutie”. Texas A&M has many expectations heading into this 2013 college football season and Johnny will have a big part in what they will from a success standpoint. It’s extremely difficult to repeat as a Heisman trophy winner but anytime you watch this kid play, you have no choice but to consider him a candidate to possibly win it again. His stats last year were remarkable. He completed 68% of his passes, tossed 26 TD passes and also rushed for 14 touchdowns. If he can have another stellar season this year as he did last year, we could see him hoisting the Heisman again for the second straight year.

3. Jadeveon Clowney – I’ve been extremely high on this guy for a while. I’ve stated in the past that he’s the college football version of DeMarcus Ware. A guy who can be so dominant and effective no matter what package he’s in and what position he’s playing. Only one defensive player has claimed the Heisman and that was Charles Woodson. Jadeveon could be the next to do so. A freshman won the award last year (Manziel), now it’s time for a defensive player to win it (again). He is clearly the best defensive player in the country and he’s set to put up big numbers yet again this year. Will the streak of offensive players to win the Heisman be broken this year possibly?

4. Marqise Lee – If he decides to declare himself eligible for next year’s draft, he will more than likely be a top 5 or 10 pick. He is the most exciting and explosive player in the country and will be the go to guy for USC in 2013 with Robert Woods now in the pros. What’s their not to like about this kid? 2,863 yards of total offense last season as a sophomore was incredible. 1,721 yards receiving, 856 yards as a kickoff returner and 106 yards rushing shows you that he’s versatile and can be effective wherever you decide to put him. For Marqise to win the Heisman, USC would have to reach a BCS game or win the Pac-12.

5. Tajh Boyd – I really like Tajh Boyd and what he brings to the field as a football player. He has a strong arm, can make the throw on the run and moves the ball down the field. Some have considered him one of the more underrated players in the game today. He had a fantastic season last year by completing 67 percent of his passes tossing 36 td passes. He could end up winning this award as well.