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Heisman Trophy 2016: Myles Garrett and 10 dark horse candidates

By Michael Collins

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
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 /
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Nov 21, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34), Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34), Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

North Carolina finally began to gain some football respect in 2016, and Elijah Hood was a big part of why that happened. Hood rushed for 1,463 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2015, helping the Tar Heels on the way to the ACC championship game.

With former star quarterback Marquise Williams gone, Hood will be looked upon to be just as – if not more – productive in 2016, and will need to find more touches in the passing game as well.

North Carolina’s offense was explosive in 2015, the question begs as to whether or not they can continue that trend this season. With Williams gone, there will more than likely be much less attention given to quarterback contain by opposing defenses, allowing them to key on Hood and the Tar Heel wide receivers.

If redhsirt junior QB Mitch Trubisky or redshirt sophomore QB Caleb Henderson can’t provide a reason to keep linebackers from creeping up to the line to plug holes, it could be a tough season for Hood.

But if the Tar Heel offense has some balance, then Hood will be off to the races and could be right there with fellow ACC running back Dalvin Cook in the thick of the Heisman race.

Next: No. 6

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