Heisman Watch 2016: Week 12 players to watch

By John Buhler | Nov 17, 2016

Nov 3, 2016; Ames, IA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Dede Westbrook (11) catches pass in the end zone while covered by Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Mike Johnson (3) at Jack Trice Stadium. Oklahoma beat Iowa State 34 to 24. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 12, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) is pursued by Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker J.T. Gray (12) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Since there will not be enough room to send the entire Alabama Crimson Tide front-seven to New York City for the 2016 Heisman Trophy presentation, perhaps true freshman Jalen Hurts will suffice?

Hurts doesn’t have the stats of other Heisman hopefuls, but he is the best offensive player on the best team in college football. The SEC has to have a player at the ceremony. Since it is so immensely difficult for voters to choose a defensive player, Hurts will likely end up being the guy from the SEC.

As a passer, Hurts has completed 64.1% of his passes for 2,003 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His yards per attempt of 7.7 is decent, as is his quarterback rating of 142.8. As a runner, Hurts has carried the football 126 times for 735 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Hurts doesn’t measure up to Louisville’s Jackson as a dual-threat signal caller, but he is doing remarkable work quarterbacking the No. 1 team in the nation. The stigma of freshman quarterbacks has waned in recent years. Hurts won’t win the Heisman Trophy, but could one of the award’s five finalists.

Alabama hosts the Chattanooga Mocs for a 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday, Nov. 19. ESPN 2 will have the telecast coming from Tuscaloosa in primetime.

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