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Five Early Heisman Trophy Candidates for 2017

By Jerran Anderson

Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) strikes a pose after scoring a touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Papa John
Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) strikes a pose after scoring a touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Papa John /
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Nov 19, 2016; Morgantown, WV, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) warms up before their game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Morgantown, WV, USA; Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

2 QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield has already announced he is returning for his senior season. Mayfield finished fourth in Heisman voting in 2015 and third in voting in 2016.

Despite winning the Big 12 title for the Sooners for a second straight season, Mayfield and Oklahoma were unable to make the College Football Playoff. Two early losses out of conference to the Houston Cougars and Ohio State Buckeyes did a lot of damage for any hopes of a return to the final four.

The Sooners turned the ball over four times combined in both losses. Mayfield didn’t play particularly well in the games either. In the Houston game, he was sacked five times and fumbled once. He threw two interceptions against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the other loss.

Those events certainly could have played a role in Mayfield’s quick announcement that he is returning for his senior season. Mayfield and the Sooners still ran the tables in Big 12 play behind the play of running backs Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon and along with fellow Heisman finalist receiver Dede Westbrook.

With a game against Auburn on January 2 in the AllState Sugar Bowl coming up, we’ll see what Mayfield and his high-powered offense have in store. Losing the Heisman Trophy for a second time has him thinking the third time is a charm.

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