July 15 , 2010
By Todd Helmick
Site Owner Todd Helmick maintains an Official Heisman Vote

NationalChamps.net 2010 Top 25 Heisman List
1. RB Mark Ingram - Alabama
Class: Junior
Height: 5-10 Weight: 215
Hometown: Flint, MI
Ingram ended last season as the Heisman winner. Ergo, he begins next season in the same position. His 1,658 rushing yards led all SEC players, as did his 20 touchdowns, 6.1 yards per carry and 32 receptions for 334 yards. The 5'10, 215 pound Ingram is a load to tackle. The first guy never brings him down as evidenced by the fact that Ingram had an astonishing 1,075 yards after contact last season. He also has the quick burst, speed and vision to take a run into the end zone on every play he touches the ball. He has excellent hands catching the pigskin out of the backfield and picks up blitzes in pass protection better than most. Ingram fumbled only one time in 303 touches last fall. Heisman winners almost always play for teams with the best records. This obviously bodes well for any Bama player. But winning a second Heisman won't be easy mostly because of Trent Richardson, the Tide's other supreme ball carrier who coaches have claimed this spring that the team does not miss a beat when he spells Ingram. There is some serious offensive firepower in Tuscaloosa. Under this facet alone, anyone not having Ingram at the top of this early list is way off base.
2. RB Jacquizz Rodgers - Oregon State
Class: Junior
Height: 5-7 Weight: 191
Hometown: Richmond, TX

Jacquizz enters his junior year needing just 1,169 rushing yards to move into second place on the Beavers all-time rushing list. If he sticks around for his senior year in 2011 he will push former USC Heisman Trophy winner Charles White as the Pac Ten's all-time rusher. Last year he also hauled in 78 passes for 522 yards, which ranked second in the conference for everyone, including receivers. He has fumbled only once in 640 touches. With those type of astounding numbers or better, it would be hard to imagine that Jacquizz won't be in the thick of this Heisman race, especially if his Beavers remain a factor in the Pac Ten race most of the season as expected. Rodgers will need to put up big performances in the big games and he will have two monster match ups in September against top rated non-conference foes TCU and Boise State on national television. If the Beavers win one of those and Rodgers plays a major role, he will have a legit shot at winning this award regardless of whether OSU wins 10 games or not.
3. QB Case Keenum - Houston
Class: Senior
Height: 6-2 Weight: 210
Hometown: Abilene, TX
The long line of Cougar quarterbacks over the last 25 years is impressive. Move over Andre Ware, David Klingler and Kevin Kolb. Case Keenum led the nation with 5,671 yards passing last year, no other quarterback threw for more than 4,300, and 44 touchdown passes. He is the only quarterback in history other than Texas Tech's Graham Harrell to have more than one 5,000-yard passing season. The fact that Conference USA has not sent a single team to a BCS bowl in its 14-year existence doesn't seem likely to have one of their participants win a Heisman Trophy. The league had its share with guys like Shaun King, Dave Ragone and DeAngelo Williams but Keenum may be the strongest candidate yet. Houston welcomes back all three of last year's 1,000-yard receivers and the numbers are only going to keep growing. The wins are also likely to follow. With those types of numbers and victories, Keenum could wind up as an invite to the Heisman Ceremony at the least. However the interceptions have also been mounting as all the Cougars do is throw the ball, sometimes to the point of being extremely one-dimensional. Keenum won't win the award unless his team goes undefeated. His stats will still dwarf everyone else based on the offense he plays in and the skills he has to work in this system.
4. QB Terrelle Pryor - Ohio State
Class: Junior
Height: 6-6 Weight: 233
Hometown: Jeannette, PA
No question, they hype coming out of high school continues to carry Pryor. A career best Rose Bowl performance last January moved his Heisman chess piece a bit further after he threw for 266 yards, two touchdowns and a 62.2 completion percentage. His overall passing numbers on the season (11 interceptions and 56.6 completion percentage), and in his two-year collegiate career, have been extremely sub par however. The two games they lost last fall could have been prevented if Pryor had played better. This season, Pryor is considered by some to be the Heisman front-runner in large part because of his performance in Pasadena. He will have a strong supporting cast, which includes one of the best offensive lines in the entire nation. His feet are swift enough to deliver a shot at this prestigious award. His improving passing skills will be what all the voters will keep an eye on.
5. RB Dion Lewis - Pittsburgh
Class: Sophomore
Height: 5-8 Weight: 195
Hometown: Albany, NY
This swift 5'8 tailback has established a new standard for freshmen in the Big East while compiling 1,799 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns becoming the first conference player since Virginia Tech's Michael Vick to earn both Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors. Only the legendary Tony Dorsett, who eclipsed 2,000 yards during his 1976 Heisman Trophy campaign, rushed for more yards in a single season at Pitt. Just weeks before the season opener last fall, coaches were not even sure who the featured running back would be in this offense. The lightly recruited Lewis was never a lock to replace LeSean McCoy. But as the season progressed it was plain to see that Lewis was a workhorse and was set to be someone special. He brings quickness, power and durability to a program poised to produce a winner and thus, a player worthy of loft Heisman status.
6. QB Kellen Moore - Boise State
Class: Junior
Height: 6-0 Weight: 187
Hometown: Prosser, WA
Kellen Moore is 26-1 as a two-year starter and finished seventh in the Heisman race a year ago, the highest finish ever for a Bronco player. What separates Moore from the rest of the quarterbacks in this race is his ability to read the field, an aspect that can only be coached to a degree as evident by Moore setting the NCAA single season record for the lowest percentage of passes intercepted last year. He also set the NCAA single season record for Highest Percentage of Passes Completed by a Freshman in 2008. Better runners and stronger arms may be available across the country, but none possess the ability to find the open receiver like Moore. He has the Broncos in a Top 5 Preseason position heading into 2010. The Labor Day opener versus Virginia Tech will be one of the very few times the rest of the nation will get to see Moore perform in the television spotlight which will not bode well for his Heisman chances. The schedule is just to light and these factors will always come into question.
7. RB LaMichael James - Oregon
Class: Sophomore
Height: 5-9 Weight: 180
Hometown: Texarkana, TX
James set a Pac Ten freshman record with 1,546 yards rushing lat fall. His whopping 6.7 yards per carry strike even a bigger note because James may be the best home-run hitter across the land. He led the nation with 21 carries over 20 yards and maintains top flight track speeds while running the 100 meter and anchoring the 4x100 relay for the infamous Duck track squad. His off-the-field squabble this past spring led to a one-game suspension this coming fall extending character issues as a haunting factor for this program. He won't have the luxury of QB Jeremiah Masoli (dismissed from the team) taking some of the heat from defenses in this spread rushing attack and he will have to compete with in-state running back rival Jacquizz Rodgers from Oregon State in terms of competing for west coast Heisman votes. James does however possess the lightning strike ability to go the distance on any given play making him one of the most exciting Heisman prospects.
8. QB Greg McElroy
Class: Senior
Height: 6-3 Weight: 225
Hometown: Southlake, TX
In his first year of starting, Greg McElroy led the Crimson Tide to a perfect 14-0 record and a BCS national championship. He was also an integral part in dissecting the rival Florida Gators vaunted defense while earning MVP honors in the SEC title game. McElroy got better as the season progressed and it is that progression combined with playing for a championship team that puts McElroy on this individual stage. He is a smart quarterback; the kind of player behind center Alabama thrives on. He received the Paul W. Bryant Award that is given to student-athletes for their classroom and community achievements and keeps his mistakes on the field to a bare minimum. The Texas native tossed 17 touchdowns last fall while only being picked off four times. McElroy has not lost a game while starting at quarterback since his eighth grade year and those types of numbers won't change in 2010. The senior will now be expected to do more than just be the quarterback who does not make a mistake; he will now make winning plays. As Alabama continues to win, their quarterback will continue to be in this list.
9. RB DeMarco Murray - Oklahoma
Class: Senior
Height: 6-1 Weight: 207
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops says that his running back DeMarco Murray is capable of putting up 1,900 rushing yards in this his last season as a Sooner. Most of the preseason prognosticators will agree that Murray has all the skills to be one of the premier ball carriers in 2010. So why has Murray been so far off the Heisman radar in the past? First, he had to share the carries with Chris Brown, who is now departed from the line up. Both rushed for over 1,000 yards each in 2008. Murray did surpass 700 rushing yards in all three seasons at Oklahoma and even hauled in 41 receptions last fall with four pass catching touchdowns. Second, he has only missed six games in his Sooner career but they have been spotlight games, which include two Big 12 title games, a Fiesta Bowl and a BCS national championship game. When searching for a top Heisman contender that no one might see coming, Murray may be the man.
10. QB Jake Locker - Washington
Class: Senior
Height: 6-3 Weight: 226
Hometown: Ferndale, WA
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. has labeled Jake Locker the top pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Locker enters his senior year as the school's all-time leading quarterback rusher. He is also a two-time Major League Baseball draftee with the Angels of Anaheim. He shares the same physique as Tim Tebow (6-3, 226 lbs.) and the knock on Locker, much like Tebow, is that his passing accuracy is a big question mark. With a meager 58.2 completion percentage in 2009, Locker knows he will continue to be judged by this stat. Locker's numbers will get better simply because the people surrounding him are getting better. With eight starters back on offense and two years now to be comfortable in head coach Steve Sarkisian's pro-style offense, this will be the best team Washington has fielded since Locker arrived. Since being named Pac Ten Freshman of The Year in 2007, the hype has continued to grow for Jake. But the wins have not and until Washington figures out a way to push for eight or nine victories the Heisman cause for Locker will be too far of a ladder to climb.
11. QB Ryan Mallett - Arkansas
Class: Junior
Height: 6-7 Weight: 238
Hometown: Texarkana, AR
Ryan Mallett has one of the strongest arms in all of college football. The word on the college football street is that nobody throws a better deep ball than Mallett. He is the only quarterback from a BCS conference returning that finished in the Top 10 in pass efficiency. Last fall he broke or tied 16 different Arkansas school records. He also led the SEC in touchdown passes, passing yards per game and total offense. Mallett stands at a towering 6'6 and has excelled in Bobby Petrino's offensive system. The head coach has raved about Mallett’s feel for the offense, and he should be even better in that department next season, in particular when it comes to spreading the ball around to his deep stable of playmakers. And this is a big difference to Razorback fans, which are used to seeing QBs in the game for handing the ball off. There appears to be something worth getting excited about offensively in Fayetteville. The Heisman voters too, can be just as excited.
12. QB Andy Dalton - TCU
Class: Senior
Height: 6-3 Weight: 220
Hometown: Katy, TX
Andy Dalton returns for his fourth season as a starter, and does so as the winningest active quarterback in the nation. He is the reigning Mountain West Offensive Player of The Year and his 29 victories are also tied for the most in TCU history with Sammy Baugh, the godfather of the modern passing game. Dalton may not put up spectacular numbers...his touchdown-to-interception ration (23:8), total passing yards (2,756) and rushing yards (512) are better than average, but not Heisman-like. But this team wins with Dalton behind center as his ultimate leadership has been proven. He can beat you with his arm or his feet when required and much more will now be expected out of the in-state senior from Katy. This is really a long shot that Dalton could actually win the Heisman Trophy based purely on stats and the way TCU operates in a team environment. Another undefeated regular season though will continue to open voting opportunities.
13. QB Joshua Nesbitt - Georgia Tech
Class: Senior
Height: 6-1 Weight: 217
Hometown: Greensboro, GA
One of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation; Nesbitt is what makes this Tech triple-option offense roll. This was the second best rushing team in all of college football last fall and as head coach Paul Johnson put it when Nesbitt was playing on an injured ankle, "I am only concerned about the mental health of my quarterbacks." The simple fact is that it takes a different breed (intelligence) to work the option and Nesbitt has nailed it. The First Team All-ACC selection has rushed for more than 2,000 career yards. The difficulty for Nesbitt in this type of individual honors race is that his passing numbers are far inferior to the players he competes against statistically. He no longer has receiver Demaryius Thomas as a one man show catching overthrown passes and his offensive line goes through a significant turnover. But that is how Paul Johnson teams roll...big player turnover and a system that can play with anyone. If the Heisman were based on the best field general, Nesbitt would be the winner. He could easily wind up the ACC MVP.
14. RB Noel Devine - West Virginia
Class: Senior
Height: 5-8 Weight: 180
Hometown: Ft. Myers, FL
There may be no player more capable of producing a spectacular play at any one moment than Noel Devine, who had seven runs of 50 or more yards last season, including three for touchdowns. He can go the distance on any play. Don't go to the concession stands when WVU has the ball or you might miss something unforgettable like his 88-yard touchdown run against Pitt. Devine has also become a workhorse, battling through a few injuries he still managed to put up nearly 1,500 yards rushing. Head coach Bill Stewart has already promised to continue getting him the ball more and who can blame him? He is a two-time All-Big East selection and has 3,381 rushing yards in his career. His downfall in the Heisman race is that he now seems to be playing Big East second fiddle behind Backyard rival Dion Lewis at Pitt. Devine has been producing ever since he arrived in Morgantown so his consistency should carry some weight. He will need to out rush Lewis and WVU will need to win 11 games before a shot at winning the Heisman can be reality.
15. RB Ryan Williams - Virginia Tech
Class: Sophomore
Height: 5-10 Weight: 211
Hometown: Manassas, VA
Williams became the first freshman in ACC history to lead the league in both rushing and scoring. He managed to rack up ten 100-yard rushing performances, which also tied the ACC record. Everyone believes his best days are obviously in front of Williams and if he is far from reaching his peak, opponents should be quite worried. He gave a struggling Hokie offense a huge boost last fall after stepping in for 1,000-yard rusher Darren Evans after Evans went down during preseason workouts. Williams has an electric personality to match his nimble feet. Many feel he could be the best running back in all of college football before his Blacksburg days are done. Tech will get Evans back to help keep Williams’ legs fresh but this could also keep his amazing stats lower when compared to 2009. Do not be surprised if Williams maintains his pace that he gets an invite to the Heisman ceremony.
16. RB Daniel Thomas - Kansas State
Class: Senior
Height: 6-2 Weight: 228
Hometown: Hilliard, FL
The Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year burst onto the scene in 2009 and led the conference in rushing. The JUCO transfer is hardly a Cinderella story. The former quarterback was originally a Florida commit before having to enroll in junior college where he was an All-American. His ideal size (6'2, 228) is a perfect fit for the NFL. He can also catch passes out of the backfield. What is most notable is that Thomas put up staggering numbers with little help from his teammates. The best news is that four of his blockers return this fall and longtime head coach Bill Snyder knows how to teach fundamentals. Thomas may not win a Heisman unless he helps the Cats into a North Division crown with a substantial won-loss record, but he will play at the next level.
17. RB John Clay - Wisconsin
Class: Junior
Height: 6-1 Weight: 248
Hometown: Racine, WI
Ron Dayne, Michael Bennett, Anthony Davis, Brian Calhoun, P.J. Hill...when does the line of great college running backs ever end for Wisconsin? The long-standing tradition won't end any time soon with John Clay in the backfield. Both the league coaches and the media voted Clay as the Offensive POTY in 2009. While other running backs across the country were reeling in post-season awards, nominating committees everywhere forgot about the nearly 1,400 rushing yards of the then-sophomore sensation. As an added bonus for the upcoming season, the blockers responsible for paving the way are all back in fold, every one of them including two All-Americans, as are his QB and receivers. Clay is a downhill runner and knows how to use his blocks and steamroll defenders. Big things are expected out of Madison in 2010 and Clay for Heisman is not far-fetched in the least.
18. QB Colin Kaepernick - Nevada
Class: Senior
Height: 6-6 Weight: 220
Hometown: Turlock, CA
One of the most dynamic players in the country will enter his fourth season as the starter at Nevada where coach Chris Ault's prolific Pistol offense has made Colin Kaepernick the stuff legends are made of. He has thrown for at least 2,000 yards in each of his first three seasons. He has 7,076 career passing yards with 61 touchdowns to just 16 interceptions. He is also coming off back-to-back 1,000 yard rushing campaigns. He needs to become a much more efficient passer and his Wolf Pack team needs to upset the likes of conference bully Boise State before he gets any serious consideration for such a national honor. Face it; Nevada isn't the most televised team, especially from an east coast or BCS-league perspective. If the Heisman race has anything to do with merit however, Kaepernick makes this list easily.
19. RB Evan Royster - Penn State
Class: Senior
Height: 6-1 Weight: 213
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
Evan Royster has been ever so consistent the past two years while racking up 2,405 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns. His career 6.1 yards-per-carry is extremely impressive for a guy who has been in the key role the past three seasons. Most do not realize that he is only 481 rushing yards short of breaking Curt Warner's record and becoming Penn State’s all-time leading rusher. Thus far he may not have received the deserved recognition based on the fact that coaches at PSU never really used Royster as the key player the offense revolves around. But that aspect will change this year. Especially considering the new quarterback issues that must be addressed. As the featured back, Royster will be in much better position to challenge for post-season honors, including the Heisman Trophy should his Nittany Lion team stay in contention for the Rose Bowl.
20. DT Jared Crick - Nebraska
Class: Junior
Height: 6-6 Weight: 285
Hometown: Cozad, NE
Crick spent his 2009 season comfortably nestled in the shadow of one-man wrecking Ndamukong Suh, who did no favors for Crick's anonymity when he dubbed Crick "the next Suh" after the Huskers 33-0 beat down of Arizona in the Holiday Bowl. In reality, Crick was not that far off from Suh's monstrous Heisman like defensive production on paper. He was second on the team in sacks (9.5) and tackles for loss (12.5), racked up 73 total tackles to Suh's 85, was credited with 14 quarterback hurries, blocked a field goal and joined Suh as a first-team All-Big 12 pick by conference coaches. What does stand out is Crick's ability to get to the quarterback as a 6'6, 290-pound tackle. He set a school record with a five-sack afternoon at Baylor. Crick can be enough of a disruptive presence to keep a defensive lineman in this Heisman race again.
21. WR James Rodgers - Oregon State
Class: Senior
Height: 5-7 Weight: 188
Hometown: Richmond, TX
Placing a receiver in the Heisman race can be tough. It's almost as if the receiver has to at least play some defense (a.k.a. former Heisman winner Charles Woodson) or be a special teams guru. Despite his 5'7 frame, James Rodgers (brother of running back Jacquizz) is the best returning receiver in the Pac Ten. He is more of a weapon than his outstanding stats might tell, frustrating defenses as a runner, receiver or return specialist. His 91 receptions broke the single season school record last fall. But he is also a threat to run on the fly sweep (58 rushes for 303 yards) and he has the second-highest total of all-purpose yards (rushing, receiving, punt returns, kick returns, interception returns) among active players entering 2010 with 5,077. If a receiver needs more than just catching passes to win the Heisman, James Rodgers is Mr. Everything 2010.
22. WR Ryan Broyles - Oklahoma
Class: Junior
Height: 5-11 Weight: 183
Hometown: Norman, OK
Again, a receiver has to do more than catch passes to earn votes on this ballot. Making the case for Broyles...he led the Big 12 in touchdowns and was in the top five in receptions and receiving yards. But he also averages a Big 12 best 15.9 yards on punt returns, nearly three yards better than the next-best. Not many people will argue that Broyles may be the most electrifying player in the conference with the ball in his hands. He also is a work out warrior benching 310 pounds, which is quite amazing for a guy that weighs in at only 178 pounds. With a maturing quarterback in Landry Jones his numbers are only going to grow, making him worthy of All-American status. He makes this Top 25 list based on his unique ball skills and ability to dazzle while dodging tacklers.
23. QB Jerrod Johnson - Texas A&M
Class: Senior
Height: 6-5 Weight: 243
Hometown: Humble, TX
The overall preseason sentiments floating around are that Jerrod Johnson is the best QB in the Big 12 for this coming fall if not the best player at any position. The past three or four Big 12 seasons, such a statement usually equates to some monstrous abilities and stats. If you watched the Aggies lose a close 39-49 battle to rival Texas on Thanksgiving night, it's easy to spot that A&M has some serious offensive firepower with Johnson behind center. The former high school basketball standout hit on 26 of 33 attempts for 342 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for 97 more yards. The 6'5 blazer tossed a league-high 30 touchdown receptions last year and already holds eight single-season school records including passing yards, touchdowns and total offense. His Heisman problem: Texas A&M has not finished a season ranked in the final top 25 since 1999.
24. WR A.J. Green - Georgia
Class: Junior
Height: 6-4 Weight: 205
Hometown: Summerville, SC
While A.J. Green may be one of the best three players at any position in the entire SEC, a rash of injuries like last year won't help a receiver sniff the Heisman trophy. Before the injuries, the 6'4 receiver was nearly unstoppable the first two months of 2009. Green appears to be in full health now and according to NFL scouts there just are not many receivers with Green's combination of size, speed and leaping ability. A former basketball star in high school, he is exceptional at going up among defenders to catch the ball. He was a First Team All-SEC selection in each of the past two seasons and is probably one of the favorites to win the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver. He does not return kicks or punts, but what has to land him on this list is the fact that he can change a game at any moment. He is such an explosive player.
25. RB Donald Buckram - UTEP
Class: Senior
Height: 5-10 Weight: 195
Hometown: Copperas Cove, TX
Donald Buckram turned in the greatest statistical rushing season in UTEP's school history. He reached 1,594 yards and mounted a serious challenge for the national rushing title before an injury limited him in the final game of the season. Those totals arrived thanks to a trio of 200-plus yard games, only matched by Stanford's Toby Gerhart last season. During one of those 200-plus yard games, he also hauled in over 100 yards receiving (versus Tulane), becoming only the fourth player in NCAA history to accomplish such a feat. A few non-BCS aligned conference teams are starting to make some noise in terms of winning games and competing on a higher level. The Miners are not on such a pedestal, but Buckram is one of those unique talents that blow people away with mind-boggling numbers and feats.