Fansided

15 off-the-radar Heisman Trophy candidates for 2016

By Brad Rowland

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: A general view of the Heisman Trophy during a press conference prior to the 2015 Heisman Trophy Presentation at the Marriott Marquis on December 12, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: A general view of the Heisman Trophy during a press conference prior to the 2015 Heisman Trophy Presentation at the Marriott Marquis on December 12, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 16
Next
Oct 31, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) rushes with the football during the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) rushes with the football during the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 11 – Corey Clement, RB Wisconsin

2015 was supposed to be “the year” for Corey Clement.

As a sophomore in 2014, Clement rushed for 949 yards on just 147 carries (6.5 yards per attempt), and when adding in more than 100 yards receiving, he was the most productive backup running back in the country. Yes, you read that right. Clement put together a 1,000-yard season with double-digit touchdowns… as a backup.

The starter? Heisman Trophy finalist Melvin Gordon.

Gordon led the country with more than 2,300 (!) yards rushing and Wisconsin’s seemingly endless line of quality running backs may have peaked with that dominant performance. His departure to the NFL paved the way for Clement to step into the spotlight and the stage was set for a breakout.

Whoops.

The powerful running back appeared in only four games due to injury, and while Clement was relatively effective (4.6 yards per carry with five touchdowns), it certainly wasn’t the dream season that anyone expected. Alas, Wisconsin’s workhorse back returns for another season in Madison and the offensive line should occupy the top-tier of the country as usual.

Health is a strange thing, especially at the running back position, but if Corey Clement can stay on the field all season, the production will almost certainly follow.

Next: James Conner

Home/College Football