Hello all! I hope you all have had a great summer full of air conditioning and shade. It's been awhile since I've written on here, and I'm sorry for that. I've taken the summer off to recharge my batteries so that I'm fresh when I begin covering the Oklahoma State football team this fall.
But worry not, as I am back! A lot of things happened while I was gone. First off, congratulations to MY World Champion Dallas Mavericks, I loved watching every minute and losing my voice after every game. Congratulations to Rory McIlroy, one of my favorite golfers, for his tournament wins as of late. And finally, congratulations to the United States Women National Team for their incredible World Cup run. Last summer soccer captured my attention, and now I love watching the sport, men or women. Unfortunately they ran out of time, but I look forward to seeing them in the future... And Alex Morgan.
But enough of that, let's focus on the future. Although the NFL Lockout is looming, we are promised one thing; College football will be there.
That being said, here is MY list of Heisman hopefuls this year.
Marcus Lattimore - South Carolina
I am convinced this could be THE GUY this year. Not only does he have a good offensive line, but he also has the one thing that will allow him to dominate- Distraction. Not a distraction for him, but for the defense. Lining up at receiver for the Gamecocks is Alshon Jeffery, one of the best wideouts in the nation. You cannot be in two places at one time, and Lattimore will thrive in that situation.
Andrew Luck - Stanford
You simply cannot leave the best pro prospect off the list. Luck is the most complete player in the NCAA, but sometimes that is not enough for a Heisman. He has weapons around him for a good year, as well as a good offensive line. Unfortunately, the Heisman committee only seems to look at numbers and highlight reels, so that may not be enough for Luck to hoist the trophy.
LaMichael James - Oregon
Last year's runner-up is looking to have another incredible year, and why shouldn't he? Oregon's dead spring offense wears defenses out, and makes them susceptible to giving up the big play. Darron Thomas (QB) will come back even better than last year, which makes the pass even more dangerous, and he also has the wheels to add QB Scrambling to the mix. James, the pass, and Thomas' running are enough to give the running back some elbow room, and that elbow room will be enough to give him another spectacular year, and another nail-biter Heisman presentation.
Landry Jones - Oklahoma
I saw first hand what Jones can do to defense last year at the Bedlam game. As much as I'd hate to see another Heisman go to Norman, I fear Jones has the tools to make that a reality. A great receiving corps, and a backfield that Stoops always seems to stock with talent will mean another year of big numbers from Jones. Let's just hope it isn't enough for the Heisman. I'm tired of driving through Norman on my way home and seeing the huge Sam Bradford blow-up in front of the car dealership, I can't take two of them.
Justin Blackmon - Oklahoma State
You knew it was coming, don't act surprised. Blackmon dominated every secondary he faced last year, not only with great hands and great routes, but also by simply being a better athlete than the man lining up across from him. He out-jumped, out-bodied, and simply out-played his opponents and he'll come into this year with the same quarterback and in even better shape. Look for another huge year, and another Biletnikoff conversation.
DARK HORSE: Geno Smith - West Virginia
The Mountaineer had a great season last year, and with Dana Holgerson's offense that lit up Big 12 defenses in 2010 in place, Smith's arm will do some major damage. But not only that but unlike Brandon Weeden at Oklahoma State, Holgerson's previous quarterback, Smith can run. That dual threat will be big for the Mountaineers this year, and will enter Smith into the conversation very quickly, just as it did for past winners like Cam Newton and Tim Tebow.
That's all I've got. My next post will be sometime after I attend Oklahoma State Football Media Day on August 6th. Gear up for another great College Football year, as this one will be as exciting as seasons in the past.
Go Pokes, Rangers, Cowboys, and MAVS!
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