Hunting the Heisman: Johnny Be Good

For the fourth time this season, there’s a new leader among those vying for the most prestigious trophy in college football.

And he’s only 19 years old.

Redshirt freshman Johnny Manziel has taken over the Heisman race after Kansas State’s Collin Klein stepped aside with a loss to Baylor. And with just a few weeks remaining before the ceremony, there’s not much either can do to change their current stances.

We may be looking at the first freshman to ever take home the Heisman Trophy.


1. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

Passing: 241-of-356 (67.7 percent), 3,047 yards, 21 TDs, 7 INTs

Rushing: 172 carries, 1,114 yards (6.5 ypc), 17 TDs

Why: Despite the team’s two losses, Manziel has earned his way into the spotlight. His historic numbers are far more than good enough to have a seat in New York, and his counterparts’ recent downfalls have him looking like a safe pick at No. 1.

2. Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson

Passing: 240-of-353 (68.0 percent), 3,367 yards, 33 TDs, 11 INTs

Rushing: 140 carries, 466 yards (3.3 ypc), 8 TDs

Why: This may come to a surprise to most, but then again, no one should be surprised to see Boyd’s name high on this list. What’s he’s been doing lately is unheard of: In his last four games, Boyd has 1,674 total yards and 22 touchdowns, and his team has averaged 51.3 points per game during that span.

3. Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State

Passing: 172-of-258 (66.7 percent), 2,306 yards, 14 TDs, 6 INTs

Rushing: 171 carries, 787 yards (4.6 ypc), 20 TDs

Why: Hey, remember this guy? Unfortunately for Klein, not being able to show up against the nation’s worst defense didn’t help his case for the Heisman. He threw three interceptions and was only able to cover 39 yards on the ground off 17 carries. Ouch.

4. Marqise Lee, WR, USC

Receiving: 107 receptions, 1,605 yards (145.9 ypg), 14 TDs

Rushing: 11 carries, 107 yards (9.7 ypc)

Why: As a receiver, it doesn’t matter how many games your team loses – it’s all about the individual stats when it comes to a Heisman opportunity. With Notre Dame and a bowl left on the year, Lee is projected to finish with 126 receptions for a whopping 1,897 yards and 17 touchdowns.

5. Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame

Tackles: 96 (43 solo)

Interceptions: 6 (35 yards)

Why: Notre Dame is undefeated because of its No. 1-ranked scoring defense. Te’o is the anchor to an extremely adamant defensive front seven. Do the math.

Others to watch (in order):

6. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

7. Jordan Lynch, QB, Northern Illinois

8. Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State

9. Ka’Deem Carey, RB, Arizona

10. A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama


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