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 /

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Jan 2, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26), Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

The last Penn State running back to win the Heisman Trophy was John Cappalletti in 1973, and if you watched Saquon Barkley last season, you know that he has the ability to be every bit that good.

The talented freshman ran for 1,076 yards and seven touchdowns in one of the most inconsistent and anemic offenses in the FBS. But make no mistake, Barkley was the workhorse. When quarterback Christian Hackenberg was out with injury (which seemed more often than not), Barkley could be counted on to bear the offensive load for the Nittany Lions.

In the Taxslayer Bowl loss to Georgia, Barkley showed he could work well in tandem with quarterback Trace McSorley, who will likely be the starter for Penn State this year. Defenses will have to key on McSorely’s legs as well as his arm, which could open up more opportunities for Barkley to break off some big runs.

This Penn State offense still has a long way to go, but Barkley could be that shining star who carries them to a few more wins in 2016.

Next: No. 4

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