Heisman Watch: Sept. 9, 2008

By Nate Sandstrom

Of course it's too early to do this. Last year, I was ready to give the award to DeSean Jackson at this point. That being said, two of the other guys (Brennan and McFadden) in my Top 5 would up being finalist so who knows?

Tim Tebow was the first sophomore to win the Heisman last year, and maybe it's trend. I've included three sophs on my initial mock ballot.

1) Knowshon Moreno, So., RB, Georgia. Carried the ball just 26 times but for 227 yards and 6 TDs!
2) Sam Bradford, So., QB, Oklahoma. Top dog on #1 team is #8 nationally in pass efficiency with 76.7%, 578 yards and 7/2 ratio.
3) Chase Daniel, Sr., QB, Missouri. 307 ypg total offense in pair of wins on high-powered offense.
4) Nicolas Girgsby, So., RB, Arizona. Racked up 304 and 5 TDs on the ground in the 'Cats' first two contests.
5) Dennis Pitta, Jr., TE, BYU. How about these TE numbers? 21 catches for 361 yards in wins over last year's I-AA #1 and at Washington.

Others considered: Javon Ringer, Sr., RB, Michigan State; Daryll Clark, Sr., QB, Penn St.; Juice Williams, Jr., QB, Illinois; Jeremy Maclin, So., WR, Missouri


At Heisman Pundit, Beanie Wells is still listed as the favorite; although this weekend is probably a make or break situation for he and USC QB Mark Sanchez. ESPN's Heisman Watch should be out later today.