Rivals.com Releases Heisman Trophy Field
Written By: Scott | Category: Ohio State Buckeyes | Comments: 3
I think it’s kind of funny how we’re only two days removed from the NFL draft, and we’re already being inundated with NCAA football information. I’m sorry, but I couldn’t pass this one up.
While many football fans (mostly those in the SEC region) are predicting Florida’s Tim Tebow as the second ever two-time winner of the Heisman Trophy – joining Ohio State’s Archie Griffin - Rivals.com was kind enough to release their current rankings for the 2008 season.
Last season, Tebow became the first ever sophomore to win the award. This season, a few other second-year players are vaulted into the mix. Tebow, now a junior, is currently ranked second overall. Only one Big Ten player is currently ranked in the top-10.
And while it may surprise some, it is Chris “Beanie” Wells. Oh, and I should probably mention that he’s at the top of the list.
1. Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
BUZZ:The nation’s premier running back is running behind a line that returns four starters. The Buckeyes also have an experienced quarterback and two good receivers, which will force opponents to respect the threat of the pass. Wells had that last season, too, and rushed for more than 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns despite getting fewer than 20 carries in three games. Don’t expect a lack of carries this season. In his final six games of last season, Wells rushed for 967 yards and three touchdowns on runs of at least 47 yards. All that was against defenses that ranked 58th or better in the nation, including two – Penn State and LSU – that ranked among the top 11.
Rick started the “Beanie Wells for Heisman” campaign almost a month ago, so this will likely only add some fuel to the collective fire. With all of the talk that Wells may be a four-year guy here, I’m going to take this whole situation one step at a time. He’s coming off of a 1,600 yard season that saw a time share with two other running backs.
We’re all expecting the carries to increase this season, and once this happens, it will be difficult to deny Wells’ place in the Heisman spotlight.
Print This
Author: Scott
Scott is a co-founder/editor of Waiting For Next Year who resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Feel free to follow him on Twitter or email him at scott@waitingfornextyear.com.Scott has written 1701 articles for Waiting for Next Year.
I’d rather he not win the heisman, if only because of all the bad things that happen to heisman winners in bowl games (see smith, troy)
I think Tressel learned a lot from the Heisman Buffet Circuit the last time around and would help guide Chris through the distractions this time.
Brandon Saine is still going to provide some relief to him. He struggled with ankle problems most of the year, so it’d make sense to have someone spelling him.