Heisman Trophy 2016: Power ranking the candidates

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Nov 26, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) strikes a pose after scoring a touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Papa John /

1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

While there will be some hand-wringing based on how Louisville finished the season as a whole, Jackson’s numbers should earn him a decisive Heisman Trophy victory.

Jackson appeared in every game for the Cardinals in 2015 with an impressive freshman season overall. As expected, Jackson made several freshman mistakes and tossed eight picks, but also turned heads with electric athleticism that helped him rack up over 2,700 total yards and 23 touchdowns.

As exciting as that start was, nobody saw Jackson taking it quite to this level in 2016. Jackson became a much better passing quarterback with 3,390 yards and 30 touchdowns to nine interceptions. The sophomore did plenty of damage with his legs, carrying the ball 234 times for 1,538 yards and an additional 21 touchdowns.

Every Heisman winner needs a signature moment, and Jackson’s came early in the season with five touchdowns against ACC title hopeful Florida State. The Cardinals would later drop a hard-fought primetime game in Death Valley against Clemson, but Jackson put on a show with 457 total yards.

Next: Biggest Heisman Busts of All-Time

Louisville lost back-to-back non-conference games against Houston and Kentucky to eliminate them from New Year’s Six contention, which some believe opened up the Heisman race. While Jackson wasn’t at his best in either game, it’s hard to argue against nearly 5,000 yards and 51 touchdowns.

As Jackson is just a sophomore, he should enter the 2017 season with a chance to repeat as a Heisman winner.

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