Five Early Heisman Trophy Candidates for 2017

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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 /

1 QB Lamar Jackson, Louisville

Quarterback Lamar Jackson is the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner which easily makes him the early favorite for next year. His speech was genuine and very humbling, considering it came from the youngest Heisman winner ever at 19 years old. He is the first Heisman winner in Louisville football history and first player from the ACC who wasn’t an FSU quarterback (Jameis Winston). Jackson has the most rushing yards (1,538) by a Heisman-winning QB in the history of the award.

The 2016 ACC Player of the Year set the conference single-season record for total touchdowns with 51 (30 passing, 21 rushing). Jackson finished the regular season with the Louisville school record in total offense with 4,928 yards. He set the ACC record for rushing yards by a quarterback in one season with 1,538, and his 21 rushing touchdowns are also the most in a single season by a signal-caller.

Next: Best NFL Draft Prospects in Bowl Games

Winning the Heisman Trophy is one thing but the Louisville Cardinals missed their shot at the College Football Playoff this season. They lost their last two games to close out the season. They lost 41-38 to Kentucky, their first loss since 2010. Outside of their loss to Kentucky and the Clemson Tigers, the Cardinals also had an embarrassing 36-10 loss to Houston as well.

All of that will be in the back of the mind of Lamar Jackson, first when he faces the LSU Tigers in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl. Then next season, when he looks to lead his team to perfection and hopes to repeat as the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner. Look for Jackson to be even more electric as he returns for his junior season.

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