Heisman - Barrier Shattered

While Tim Tebow did not become the second player to win a second Heisman Trophy, Sam Bradford made it back-to-back sophomores taking home the hardware. A year after Tebow broke through by becoming the first sophomore to win the illustrious trophy, “underclassmen winning” was not even a topic of discussion. Expect the trend to continue.

Players are coming in better prepared to play and contribute at a high level from day one and many of the top would-be seniors are already playing in the league where they play for pay.

Top Sophomore Candidates for 2009:

1. Terrelle Pryor, Ohio St. QB – The Buckeyes’ signal caller got his feet wet this season and the Vince Young clone appears ready to flourish next season.

2. Caleb King, Georgia, RB – Assuming Knowshon Moreno leaves early for the NFL, it will open the door for King to be the man, running behind an improved offensive line.

3. Robert Griffin, Baylor, QB – If he were at a bigger school, Griffin may be at number one. He is every bit the two-way talent that TP is.

4. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas, QB – Bobby Petrino knows how to coach up his quarterbacks, so expect the Michigan transfer to put up some big numbers next season.

5. Jacquizz Rogers, Oregon St., RB – The “Quizz Show” is already a household name among voters and will be the returning Pac-10 rushing champ.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (University of Oklahoma), SEC Sports Media