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College football’s top 15 Heisman Trophy candidates heading into spring

By Jerran Anderson

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Orlando , FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) prior to the game against the LSU Tigers at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Orlando , FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) prior to the game against the LSU Tigers at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback Lamar Jackson returns this spring as the top Heisman candidate to watch. He looks to become the first back-to-back Heisman winner since Ohio State’s Archie Griffin in 1974 & 1975.

Jackson was the 2016 ACC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year for his play last season. He threw for 3,543 passing yards and 30 touchdowns while running for another 1,571 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. His 51 total touchdowns were first in the conference and second in the FBS.

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The rising junior was the Cardinals first Heisman winner in school history after leading them to a 9-4 record. Redemption is certainly on Jackson and company’s mind after losing their final three games of the season. With College Football Playoff expectations on the line again, look for Jackson to show his growth. He didn’t throw the ball particularly well to close out the season for Louisville.

Replacing Jackson’s top targets shouldn’t be too difficult, however. There’s still receivers Jaylen Smith, Traveon Samuel and Reggie Bonnafon to throw to.

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