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Who are the 2017 Heisman Trophy candidates?

By Cody Williams

Dec 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; The Heisman Trophy stands on a podium during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis before the 2016 Heisman Trophy awards ceremony. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; The Heisman Trophy stands on a podium during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis before the 2016 Heisman Trophy awards ceremony. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) reacts during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) reacts during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Jalen Hurts, QB – Alabama

When you think about the quarterback that’s normally under center for Nick Saban with the Alabama Crimson Tide, you normally picture a traditional pocket-passer that doesn’t have to do too much other than hand the ball off and make a few deep throws out of play-action. That’s what makes freshman Jalen Hurts stand out as much as he did as he was at the helm for the majority of the Crimson Tide’s undefeated 2016 season. And though there were growing pains along the way, another year of growth could mean a monster 2017 for Hurts.

In his first year with the Crimson Tide, Hurts was phenomenal all things considered. His numbers aren’t eye-popping as a passer outside of a solid 65.3 percent completion rate. He threw for only 2,592 yards and 22 touchdowns while also tossing nine picks on the season. However, his statistical case is aided by the fact that he rushed for 841 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season while also averaging 5.2 yards per carry.

Without a doubt, Hurts needs to improve in terms of consistency in the passing game. But considering the work that Saban will make him put in and the fact that he’s so young, that’s wholly reasonable to expect to happen. Given that and what he can do with his mobility in the most successful program in the country, the Alabama quarterback could certainly find a way to New York in 2017.

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