Heisman Watch: Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry moves closer to Leonard Fournette

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) carries the ball in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

He doesn’t excel in one particular area, which might make it harder for him to gain some traction on this list. Another solid game from him and he could shoot up into the top five of this list, but it’s going to take a whole lot to jump into that top three and compete.

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7

Christian McCaffrey

Running back, Stanford Cardinal

• Season totals: 844 rushing yards, 174 receiving yards, 480 return yards, 1518 total yards
• Last game vs UCLA: 25 carries, 369 all-purpose yards, 4 touchdowns

One of the nation’s leaders in all-purpose yards, he stepped up in a big time game for the Stanford Cardinal. UCLA has had some issues on defense, with a lot of key injuries, missing their three best players. But his effectiveness in the return game is second to none (maybe Christian Kirk), and he’s a strong runner for being on the smaller side.

With Stanford firing on all cylinders, they’re coming up as a College Football Playoff hopeful. This could be McCaffrey’s chance to shine as Stanford starts capturing the attention of the nation. They hold a pretty favorable schedule ahead, which will give him a chance to capitalize and pad his numbers.

He doesn’t excel in one particular area, which might make it harder for him to gain some traction on this list. Another solid game from him and he could shoot up into the top five of this list, but it’s going to take a whole lot to jump into that top three and compete.

Next: 6. Ezekiel Elliott