Heisman Trophy Watch Week 12: Trevone Boykin, Marcus Mariota Move Up

Nov 8, 2013; East Hartford, CT, USA; Louisville Cardinals cornerback Charles Gaines (3) reacts after with teammate safety Gerod Holliman (8) after his touchdown against the Connecticut Huskies in the first quarter at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

7. Gerod Holliman, Safety, Louisville Cardinals (7-3, 5-3 ACC)

Last Game: 3 Interceptions, 4 Tackles, 53 INT Return Yards (Defeated Boston College Eagles 38-19)

For 2014 Season: 13 Interceptions, 31 Tackles, 180 INT Return Yards, 1 Touchdown

We know that the Louisville Cardinals are not going to compete for any conference or national championship, but Gerod Holliman is in the midst of a record-setting performance on defense with 13 interceptions right now, and this is a dominant Louisville defense that he is leading.

Without Holliman, Bobby Petrino’s return to Louisville would likely not have gone as smoothly as it has. The offense has been inconsistent at times, and the Cardinals could easily have 3 more losses. But the defense, and Holliman, have made sure for that not to happen on their watch. Now, Louisville’s future is brighter than ever because of that.

And it’s enough for us to hype up the sophomore, who belongs in the Heisman race with everybody else we have named. Sometimes, you can’t just look at national title contenders. A player may come along that is so great that you have to factor him in the Heisman race regardless of his team’s performance. Holliman is that player. And hey, it’s not like Louisville’s a bad team.

Next: No. 6 Ranked Heisman Candidate