College Football 2006: Heisman Watch

This may come as a shock, a complete surprise to your system, but I'm willing to risk it. Brace yourself for this incredible announcement.

The best player in college football doesn't always win the Heisman Trophy. I know you're shocked and caught off guard, but it's true. Insert your laugh right here.

The Heisman Trophy award is just for symbolism and ratings. It means nothing anymore. C'mon, how can the best player in college football be decided without including defensive players? Yes Charles Woodson, a corner, won the award but he also returned punts and was used as a wide receiver or else he never would have been a contender for the award.

Even so, it's fun to speculate on who will win the Heisman and this season, three frontrunners have distanced themselves from the pack in the preseason. Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn, Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson, and Ohio State QB Troy Smith are the darlings of the media as the 2006 season comes into focus.

Here are the top contenders for the Heisman Trophy Award circa 2006:

1. Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame - Blossomed last season under head coach Charlie Weis with 3,919 yards and 32 TDs. The Heisman is Quinn's to lose. If he improves upon last season, he can book a trip to New York to claim the trophy.

2. Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma - Peterson is the best RB in college football, provided he stays healthy. Injuries limited Peterson to 1,104 yards and 14 TDs last season. If he can stay healthy, Peterson could take the Heisman away from Quinn.

3. Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State - The Vince Young type player this season. Smith threw for 2,282 yards with 16 TDs and ran for 611 yards and 11 TDs. Smith must go through a difficult Big Ten schedule, but if everything falls into place - the Heisman could be his.

Others who have a chance if the breaks fall right:

Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn
Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
Michael Bush, RB, Louisvlle
Ted Ginn - WR, Ohio State
Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia
Pat White, QB, West Virginia
Chris Leak, QB, Florida
Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC


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