Let the Heisman watch begin. It is inevitable that some of these young men will punch their ticket to New York City in December. Just like it is inevitable that some of them won't live up to the hype. But all of them had the numbers in 2012, and the skills to warrant Heisman consideration as we head into the 2013 campaign. Here is a look at the stars that I expect to shine the brightest during the 2013 college football season.
1. Braxton Miller QB/Ohio State
Miller is the reigning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, and my pick to win it again in 2013. He was dynamic in 2012 and figures to be even better this year. If the Buckeyes go undefeated as I've predicted, there is no doubt that Miller will receive an invite to NYC.
2. Jadaveon Clowney DE/South Carolina
No strictly defensive player has ever taken home the Heisman Trophy. That could change this year. The hype around Clowney already existed, but the YouTube sensation took it to another level when he completely blew up Vincent Smith in the 2013 Outback Bowl. If he lives up to the unbelievable hype this year, he will rewrite history.
3. Marcus Mariota QB/Oregon
Mariota isn't even the best playmaker on Oregon's offense. But he is what makes the Ducks click. He is a dual threat and is the leader on one of the nation's most potent offenses. If Oregon continues to ring up points like in year's past, there could certainly be a seat for Mariota at the Heisman ceremony.
4. Teddy Bridgewater QB/Louisville
Bridgewater had a breakout season in 2012. His Sugar Bowl performance against the vaunted Florida defense is what catapulted him to super stardom. He may be the best QB in the country, which often time leads to striking the Heisman pose. But Louisville's schedule is so weak I think they need to run the table to get Bridgewater the support.
5. Tajh Boyd QB/Clemson
Clemson has been underachievers over the years. I kind of expect the same this year. That doesn't mean that Tajh Boyd won't put up video game type numbers though. I see him being the Geno Smith of the 2013 season, only Clemson will be much better than West Virginia was. That should be enough to earn Boyd a trip to the Big Apple.
The next 5:
6. Lache Seastrunk RB/Baylor
I don't see Baylor being good enough to have a Heisman finalist, but Seastrunk will put up big numbers.
7. Todd Gurley RB/Georgia
I think that Gurley is the best RB in the country, but he still has to share the load with Keith Marshall.
8. Marquise Lee WR/USC
No WR in the country compares to Lee. He is a one-man highlight reel.
9. Johnny Manziel QB/Texas A&M
If his eligibility concerns disappear, the reigning Heisman winner will move up this list.
10. De'Anthony Thomas RB-WR/Oregon
Thomas is the most exciting player in the country, unfortunately he doesn't get enough touches.
Others to Watch:
Taylor Martinez QB/Nebraska
TJ Yeldon RB/Alabama
Aaron Murray QB/Georgia
Derek Carr QB/Fresno State
Jordan Lynch QB/Northern Illinois
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