Fansided

5 reasons Brad Kaaya can win the 2016 Heisman

By Andrew C. Lovell

Nov 7, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) takes a snap from the line of scrimmage during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) takes a snap from the line of scrimmage during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Alabama running back Derrick Henry name appears on the Heisman Trophy during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis after winning the trophy during the 81st annual Heisman Trophy presentation. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Alabama running back Derrick Henry name appears on the Heisman Trophy during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis after winning the trophy during the 81st annual Heisman Trophy presentation. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Heisman history

If recent history is any indication, the timing is perfect for Kaaya to win the Heisman.

Four of the last six Heisman winners have been juniors. Kaaya is entering his junior season at Miami. Five of the last six Heisman winners have been quarterbacks. Kaaya, of course, is a quarterback, too.

It’s no secret that the Heisman Trophy has been dominated by quarterbacks and running backs. In fact, the last player that wasn’t a quarterback or running back to win the award was Michigan cornerback/returner Charles Woodson in 1997. Woodson just retired after a brilliant 18-year career in the NFL, which gives you an idea of how difficult it is for non-offensive players to win.

The last senior to win the award was Ohio State’s Troy Smith in 2006, and he’s the only senior to win since 2003. Over that same 13-year stretch, seven of the Heisman winners have been juniors (this includes Reggie Bush’s since-vacated 2005 Heisman), compared to three sophomores, two freshmen and one senior.

This is, of course, just historical context that could have no bearing on the upcoming college football season, but it’s still worth noting. Juniors have, particularly in recent memory, been some of the most dominating players in college football, and Heisman voters routinely take notice of that.

The time is now for Kaaya to produce a major breakout season.

Next: No. 3: Playmakers on offense

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