Heisman Trophy 2016: Myles Garret and 10 other dark horses

Heisman Trophy 2016: Myles Garrett and 10 dark horse candidates

Dec 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Alabama running back Derrick Henry name appears on the Heisman Trophy during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis after winning the trophy during the 81st annual Heisman Trophy presentation. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

11 of 12

Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15), Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

If ever there were a pure defensive player who could sneak in and steal the Heisman away from those offensive skill position guys, it’s Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett.

Unfortunately for Garrett, he’s up against more quality competition at said skill positions this year than we’ve seen in a long time.

Still, setting the SEC freshman record for sacks (and passing Jadeveon Clowney in the process) and leading the nation in tackles for loss (20), and the SEC in forced fumbles (5) is nothing to sneeze at – and this kid is likely to only get better in his second season with defensive coordinator John Chavis.

Playing in the SEC, Garrett will have a lot of eyes on his body of work, and if he puts up numbers again like he did last season, there will certainly be some Heisman talk. What it’s going to take to really put him in the conversation is some game-changing plays against big opponents with some offensive firepower like Alabama, Tennessee and Ole Miss.

Garrett has a real shot, but only if some of this year’s offensive superstars stumble.

Next: No. 1

Home/College Football News