Heisman Trophy 2016: Dalvin Cook and the top 10 candidates
By Mark Rogers
Dec 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Alabama running back Derrick Henry (left to right) and Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey and Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson pose with the Heisman Trophy during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis prior to the 81st annual Heisman Trophy presentation. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The field of Heisman Trophy candidates who will be competing for the honor in 2016, including Dalvin Cook, Leonard Fournette and a pair of finalists from 2015.
The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious award in sports and certainly in college football. While the honor has been bestowed upon 56 seniors in 81 years, the award has swung to underclassmen with Ohio State’s Troy Smith being the last senior to win the Heisman in 2006.
In a similar fashion, the running back has given way to the quarterback with signal callers racking up 13 of the last 16 trophies although 2015 bucked the trend. 2016 again features primarily underclassmen candidates with a junior class of already established stars leading the way.
So who are best positioned to make a run at history?
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We weigh notoriety, opportunity, perception, supporting cast, and of course, projected performance in determining who should have the edge when camp breaks at the end of August.
As we’ve seen in recent years with the likes of Geno Smith, Nick Chubb, Leonard Fournette and Cardale Jones, injuries, poor performance and highlight plays from unexpected sources can change the landscape quickly.
Here is our look at the leading candidates for the 2016 Heisman. The list doesn’t include players like 2015 winner Derrick Henry or other juniors who are expected to declare for the NFL Draft.
Who will make the trip to New York City in December? Here are the top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates for 2016.
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