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Heisman Trophy Watch 2016: Top 5 candidates after Week 3

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 10, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) scores a touchdown as California Golden Bears cornerback Darius Allensworth (2) defends during the fourth quarterat Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey (19) scores a touchdown as California Golden Bears cornerback Darius Allensworth (2) defends during the fourth quarterat Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) rushes against USC Trojans defensive back Marvell Tell III (7) during the first half of a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) rushes against USC Trojans defensive back Marvell Tell III (7) during the first half of a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

This shouldn’t surprise anyone. Christian McCaffrey was one of the Heisman finalists from last season and the then-sophomore accumulated almost 2,700 total yards from scrimmage with 13 touchdowns. He was electrifying, elusive and stronger than he looked for a 6-foot-0, 200-pound running back.

The junior has played just two games so far in 2016, helping the Cardinal to a 2-0 start with an opening win over Kansas State and a nice 27-10 victory over top rival USC. He has played well in both games and has been a force in both the pass and run game, to the shock of absolutely no one.

McCaffrey is the focal point of Stanford’s offense and teams know this. Just because teams know which guy to key in on for the Cardinal doesn’t mean they’ll be able to stop him. That’s been proven already this season as he’s rushed 50 times for 291 yards and three touchdowns.

Not only can he run, he has 11 catches for 113 yards and a touchdown, including an exciting 56-yarder against the Trojans in Week 3.

This kid is going to be a star for years to come in college and at the next level but will a Heisman Trophy elude his grasp?

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