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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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Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) fires a pass upfield in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) fires a pass upfield in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback J.T. Barrett has had a difficult time returning to his 2014 stature. Barrett finished fourth in Heisman voting that season, throwing for 2,834 passing yards and 34 touchdowns. He completed 64.6 percent of his passes and finished with a passer rating of 169.8, first in the Big Ten and second in the FBS.

However, since 2014, Barrett’s completion percentage and passer rating have dropped. Last season, he completed 61.5 percent of his passes, which was still third in the conference. He led the Buckeyes to an 11-2 record, but his performance in the College Football Playoff has him returning for his senior season.

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Barrett threw for just 127 passing yards and two interceptions in a 31-0 shutout loss to Clemson in the Playoff Semifinals. Avenging a playoff loss is a top priority for Barrett.

Barrett hopes a return to the College Football Playoff can put him back in the Heisman conversation. Offensive line issues and adding a deep threat are keys to watch this spring for the Buckeyes, as is Barrett’s return to Heisman form.

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