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5 dark horse Heisman candidates for 2015

By Andrew Garda

Dec 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the 1968 Heisman Trophy of Southern California Trojans tailback O.J. Simpson (not pictured) at Heritage Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the 1968 Heisman Trophy of Southern California Trojans tailback O.J. Simpson (not pictured) at Heritage Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) gets past Boise State Broncos offensive lineman Rees Odhiambo (71) during the second half in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) gets past Boise State Broncos offensive lineman Rees Odhiambo (71) during the second half in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Scooby Wright, LB, Arizona

Aside from having the best name on this list (though there is another guy hot on his heels), Wright has already put together a pedigree worth noting. He’s already won the Lombardi Award, Bronko Nagurski and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Awards, which he took home last season. He also finished ninth in overall Heisman voting. Wright’s not starting the summer with a ton of buzz for the Heisman though, with his odds per Bovada currently sitting at 66/1.

Maybe that’s because we haven’t seen a defensive player win the award since Charles Woodson did it in 1997, when he was also a ridiculously talented kick returner. Defensive players—as they do in many awards not specifically aimed at defensive players—find the deck stacked against them when it comes to the Heisman Trophy.

He was also not highly recruited, something that a lot of media talked about last season while he went off to the tune of 99 tackles and 14 sacks. Those media may be thinking Wright is a one-year wonder, a guy who performed well as an underdog but isn’t going to cut it when he is under the spotlight.

I think Wright’s work ethic, along with the chip on his shoulder from being overlooked will stick with him. Also, the Wildcats will lean on him heavily if they are to challenge for the conference title and perhaps a College Football Playoff berth.

It’s a tough road to walk for the junior linebacker, but he has an excellent chance to make sure it ends in New York for the Heisman ceremony.

Next: Jerrod Heard, QB Texas

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