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Heisman Trophy 2016: Power ranking the candidates

By Nathaniel Reeves

Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Papa John
Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Papa John /
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Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) signs a fans Heisman sign after a game against the Clemson Tigers during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Clemson Tigers won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) signs a fans Heisman sign after a game against the Clemson Tigers during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Clemson Tigers won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Last season’s Heisman runner-up was just a step behind Jackson all season and should have another top three finish under his belt come Saturday night.

Watson emerged as a potential future star as a freshman in 2014 with a strong showing in eight games, including five starts. There was plenty of concern entering 2015 after Watson underwent surgery the prior December for a torn ACL, but he fully recovered by the preseason and put together the best season of any quarterback in the nation.

Clemson was the only undefeated team of the 2015 regular season and nearly topped Alabama in the title game behind Watson, who piled up over 5,200 total yards and 47 touchdowns. Watson finished second to Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry in the Heisman voting, and there certainly was a strong argument for him winning the award.

While not quite as prolific this season, particularly on the ground, Watson led the Tigers to another playoff appearance with another strong year. Watson completed 67.6 of his passes for 3,914 yards and added 512 rushing yards with 43 total touchdowns to lead the explosive Clemson offense.

Decision making was a bit of an issue for Watson this season, as he tossed 15 interceptions. Those numbers are very good, but Watson can’t quite match the individual impact of the top two candidates.

Watson should be able to hold off Mayfield for a top three finish, particularly if voters give him a boost for being the starting quarterback of a playoff team.

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