After Week 1, the Heisman conversation is already in full gear.
As expected, sophomore running back Nick Chubb is in the mix. Two other candidates, Alabama running back Derrick Henry and Ohio State “H-back” Braxton Miller, round out the top three, giving us an idea of who to keep our eye on as the season rolls on.
Derrick Henry helped The Crimson Tide immensely last Saturday against Wisconsin. He rushed for 147 yards on 13 carries and scored three touchdowns. Mighty impressive for the junior, who totaled 990 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. If those numbers are any indication of how he’ll do this season, then he certainly deserves the hype.
Chubb’s numbers from Georgia’s opener against Louisiana-Monroe are slightly less exciting, but keep in mind weather delays and conservative-minded coach Mark Richt kept him from hogging the ball. He rushed for 120 yards on 16 carries with two touchdowns. Not bad at all.
Last season, the freshman took over for suspended running back Todd Gurley and thrived, launching his name to the top of the conversation for future candidates. He rushed for 1,547 yards and 14 touchdowns. And that’s only half a season worth of starts, folks. Again, one of the young players to keep your eye on.
Moving on to No. 3 in the Heisman conversation is Miller, who is the unquestionable holder of the sweetest move of the season so far. At Virginia Tech last week, the former quarterback had eight touches (six rushes, two receptions) for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Not too shabby. What’s even more impressive is the so-called “Spin move heard around the world.” Miller took a direct snap, hauled it up the outside left and pulled off a spin-juke that caused two Virginia Tech players to whiff. Miller continued to the end zone for a 53-yard run.
If Miller continues to entertain and thrill fans like he did last Thursday against the Hokies—oh, and if Ohio State continues to reign supreme—I have no doubt he will remain at the top of the conversation for the duration of the season.
There are plenty of other players who will sneak into the Heisman list. Every season, there’s a breakout star. Sometimes he wins it (Johnny Manziel comes to mind), and sometimes he fades into the background (Dak Prescott, we’re looking at you).
Lots of football to be played. Lots of players fighting for the coveted trophy. It’s sure to be another entertaining season.