SEC Talk

Can a late push put McFadden back into the Heisman race?

With only three weeks left in the college football regular season, it is prudent to take a look at the Heisman candidates from the SEC and also to preview the SEC player of the year candidates.

1. Tim Tebow, Florida
Tebow’s 7 touchdown performance including 5 on the ground and 2 in the air could be good enough to tip the favor to Tebow. Not only is the guy a phenomenal dual-threat quarterback athlete, but he is tough as nails. It’s not easy to play the way he does taking hits left right and center. But he just gets back up and keeps going. Florida is easily a bottom half SEC team without Tebow, he’s that valuable to them.

2. Darren McFadden, Arkansas
After a slow start to the season, Darren McFadden is starting to make some noise after consecutive 100 plus rushing yard games in the win over South Carolina and the loss to Tennessee this past week. McFadden was the consensus Heisman favorite heading into the season but he has had to fight through some injuries. Some compare him to Adrian Peterson who now plays for the Minnesota Vikings. While Peterson was probably more elusive, McFadden is a stronger back and can go north-south a little better. Compared with other running backs in college football, I still say McFadden is the best there is.

3. Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
While just a redshirt freshman, Moreno has emerged as not only the top back on the Georgia Bulldogs but is challenging McFadden for best in the SEC and indeed for the rest of the country. Moreno is a tough runner, Mel Kiper compares him to Cadillac Williams but I liken him to Joseph Addai. Not the biggest guy but very difficult to bring down and he finds the smallest of seams to run through. I agree, barring injuries, Moreno will be the best running back in the country next year.

4. Glenn Dorsey, LSU
Trying to be the first defensive player since Charles Woodson to win the Heisman on the defensive side of the ball, Dorsey is simply a man beast. Think Dwight Freeney but 50 pounds heavier. The man-child has been slowed by injuries but plays despite them and still performs better than most other defensive lineman playing at 100%. He is just a relentless pursuer of the quarterback and because he has the quickness to go with the size, even double-teams don’t always slow Dorsey down.

5. Andre Woodson, Kentucky
A few weeks ago, Woodson would’ve easily been the consensus top pick for the Heisman but recent losses has slowed his campaign. Still, Woodson is one of the best quarterbacks not only in the SEC but in the country. Though he is an accomplished athlete, it’s Woodson’s accuracy and ability to throw 60-70 yards which sets him apart.

Tim Tebow, Darren McFadden, Knowshon Moreno, Glenn Dorsey, Andre Woodson