The 2012 Heisman Trophy will be given out on Saturday December 8, 2012 in New York to honor the most outstanding college football player in America.
While Heisman voters don't have to turn in their ballots for 10 more days, we have seen enough to give the public our (un)official ballot. Heisman voters (which we aren't) can submit 3 names on their ballot. We will give you our top ten:
1. Winner - Johnny Manziel, QB Texas A&M
Becoming the first freshman to ever win the Heisman, Manziel re-wrote the record book of the SEC, topping Cam Newton's record setting 2010 season. His candidacy took a hit after being shut down by LSU during the mid-season loss to the Tigers, but was re-energized after his awesome performance in beating #1 Alabama. 'Johnny Football" threw for 3,419 yards and 24 TD's while adding 1,181 yards rushing and 19 TD's. As open as this race seemed 2 weeks ago, it shouldn't be very close. The success of A&M this season (10-2 in SEC) coupled with jaw-dropping stats by Johnny, will earn him the first Heisman by a freshman.
2. Braxton Miller, QB Ohio State
While the general public will call for Manti Te'o to be runner up, the turnaround engineered by Miller, coming off a 6-7 season, earns him a #2 vote and vaults him to front-runner status going into 2013. Had OSU been BCS e;igible, Miller may have received a stronger look for #1, but the fact that the Buckeyes are on probation took the national eye away from the amazing season Miller and Urban Meyer engineered in Columbus. Look for Miller, with an incredibly soft 2013 schedule, to start next year as the consensus favorite.
3. Manti Te'o, LB Notre Dame
The Irish linebacker, a media golden boy - reaching near Tebow-like status in recent weeks, is this high for being the best play maker on maybe the nation's best defense. Te'o could have won the award if he engineered more 'signature moments' on a national stage. The reason defender Charles Woodson won the award in 1997 was due to his performance in the season finale vs. Ohio State - an INT in the end zone, a punt return for TD and a catch inside the 5 yard line to set up a TD. Te'o had the name, the spotlight and the great team to win the award but didn't have the 'did you see that' moment's that a defender must have to capture a Heisman.
4. Collin Klein, QB Kansas State
5. Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon
6. Kenj0n Barner, RB Oregon
7. Stephan Taylor, RB Stanford
8. Marqise Lee, WR USC
9. Tajh Boyd, QB Clemson
10. Aaron Murray, QB Georgia
Who gets your vote?
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