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5 reasons J.T. Barrett can win the 2016 Heisman

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) rushes in the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium. Ohio State won 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) rushes in the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium. Ohio State won 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) carries the ball as Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) defends in the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State defeated Penn State 38-10. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) carries the ball as Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) defends in the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State defeated Penn State 38-10. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Elite dual-threat ability

The direction that college football is headed means that Heisman winners will likely be more dual-threat quarterbacks than just pocket passers.

Jameis Winston was never known for his running ability, but he was elusive enough to avoid being dubbed a pocket passer. That means that the last true pocket passing Heisman winner was Sam Bradford in 2008.

Following him, Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III, Johnny Manziel, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota have all taken home the crown and they were all capable of moving the sticks with their legs as well as their arm.

J.T. Barrett fits the description of a recent Heisman winner. He has a strong arm, quick feet and speed to burn.

Obviously his best season was as a freshman in 2014, passing for 2,834 yards, 34 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions with a 65 percent completion rate while rushing for 938 yards and 11 scores.

In limited time in 2015, he rushed for 11 scores and passed for another 11. He’s about as dynamic as any player in college football.

With two full years of experience under his belt and a potential first full season ahead, Barrett is ready to take home Ohio State’s second Heisman in 10 years and record-setting eighth overall.

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