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Heisman Trophy 2016: Who got snubbed?

By Cody Williams

Dec 13, 2014; New York, NY, USA; The Heisman Trophy sits on a pedestal before the pre-announcement press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2014; New York, NY, USA; The Heisman Trophy sits on a pedestal before the pre-announcement press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) is brought down by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during the fourth quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) is brought down by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during the fourth quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Jonathan Allen, DL — Alabama

Alabama Crimson Tide fans might be wondering where quarterback Jalen Hurts is on this list of snubs, but you won’t find him here. While the freshman has helped lead the No. 1-ranked Tide to yet another undefeated season and has been impressive in doing so, he hasn’t been Heisman-quality. That said, there are numerous players on the defense of Alabama that have been at that level and more. The best candidate of the bunch would have to be Jonathan Allen.

While players like Jabrill Peppers are lauded for their ridiculous versatility because of all of the positions he plays, Allen’s versatility is equally as impressive because of effectiveness in all of the roles that he played. In Nick Saban’s loaded defense, Allen rotates from defensive end to tackle depending on down, situation, and the tendencies of opponents. And he’s been a monster at either spot. Continuously disrupting plays against both the run and pass, Allen has been an unstoppable force up front that makes the Crimson Tide tick in their biggest area of strength.

Allen goes into the College Football Playoff having 8.5 sacks on the season. Moreover, he has a plethora of Heisman moments that boost his candidacy. The 75-yard fumble return for a touchdown against Ole Miss and his now iconic diving sack come to mind. If there was going to be a defensive player invited to New York, Allen stands out as the most deserving.

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