I gave you my National Title Contenders from the ACC so it only makes sense that Heisman Hopefuls are up next.
The ACC offers a few potential viable options in 2010.
Florida State QB Christian Ponder is the trendy pick for most people. It makes sense. He was on track in 2009 to put up amazing numbers before being knocked out with a shoulder injury against Clemson. The Seminoles are returning their offensive line for the second year in a row, and they have a decent receiving corp to provide him with enough targets to get the job done. Not to mention a feeling of freshness with new head man Jimbo Fisher in town. He even has his own Heisman campaign (the CP7 Heisman Campaign) that the league itself was promoting at media days.
I know everyone and their brother is on him as the number one contender but I have to disagree - it's Ryan Williams from the Virginia Tech that actually might be in prime position here.Remember, year in and year out it seems an area voters pay a lot of attention to is a players ability to put his team in contention for a national title. And let's face it, the Noles won't be knocking on the door of a top five finish this year.
Virginia Tech starts the year in the Top 10 and just like 2009, their first match-up is a statement game against Boise State. What better way for Williams to garner early Heisman talk than a win against Boise. And if it finishes the season victorious in the ACC Title game, it's smart money they will be in the top two of the BCS. If Willams puts up numbers similar to those he had last year, and the Hokies are indeed in the running for the title game, it's inevitable he will be a top three guy for the award. The only issue he runs into, and it's a good one for Tech fans, is fellow stud RB Darren Evans is back after missing all of last season with a knee injury.
Quarterback Jacory Harris from Miami is another option here. He leads what should be a high powered Hurricane offense, reminiscent of days past. Before a late season slide in 2009, he was already being mentioned in Heisman talk. The ‘U’ starts the 2010 season in the top fifteen nationally but a brutal schedule might ultimately be his downfall. He goes up against solid defense after solid defense in Ohio State, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, and Clemson. Now, if he can guide the Canes through those landmines and keep them on course to win the ACC – Mr. Harris deserves a seat in New York.
Finally, I'd like throw my dark horse out there - Boston College RB Montel Harris. Yeah yeah, it's a long shot I know but the guy deserves some press. He quietly put up some great stats last year, rushing for nearly 1,500 yards and finishing second to Williams in rushing in the ACC. Obviously the Eagles won't be a factor in the national title picture, but someone needs to throw the kid some love.
Side note: If it were possible for voters to go after a defensive player (which last year proved it's not), I'd keep an eye on North Carolina DL Robert Quinn and Clemson S DeAndre McDaniel.
