Boston College running back AJ Dillon proved he can be a game-changer in the backfield. Does he have what it takes to chase down a Heisman Trophy in 2018?
Boston College had a satisfactory season and finished with a 7-6 overall record but amidst the mediocrity, it found a star in the making in freshman tailback AJ Dillon.
He not only received the accolades of bringing home both ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year honors but he also ranked first out of all running backs in the conference in basically every rushing category — yards, touchdowns and attempts.
He also shattered Boston College’s freshman rushing record in 2017 and is slated as an early candidate for the Doak Walker Award this season.
Perhaps overshadowed by other highly-productive freshman runners such as Jonathan Taylor and J.K. Dobbins, Dillon wasn’t disparaged from posting lavish numbers in his first season at the collegiate level.
He closed out the 2017 season with more rushing touchdowns (14) than games played (13) and averaged well over 100 yards a game while collecting a total of 1,589 rushing yards.
The looming question remains, can Dillon follow up a stellar freshman campaign and compete for the Heisman this season? Here are five reasons why he can make it happen.