Heisman rankings - Week 1: Rodney Anderson a sleeping giant

Heisman rankings – Week 1: Rodney Anderson a sleeping giant

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 01: Oklahoma Sooners running back Rodney Anderson (24) runs past Florida Atlantic Owls defensive end Damian Horton (55) during the Florida Atlantic Owls game versus the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, OK.(Photo by Alonzo Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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FORT WORTH, TX – SEPTEMBER 01: Shawn Robinson #3 of the TCU Horned Frogs scores a touchdown on a quarterback keeper against the Southern University Jaguars in the first quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

6. Shawn Robinson, QB, TCU

The TCU Horned Frogs did what good teams are supposed to do against subpar competition as they took on the Southern Jaguars in their season-opener. They were up 38-0 at the half and really just coasted the rest of the way to a comfortable, dominant victory. Sophomore quarterback Shawn Robinson, getting his first real taste as the unquestioned starter, was a major part as to why they jumped out to that big lead.

Robinson, a dual-threat player at the position, only rushed twice on the night, but took both carries into the end zone for a total of 45 yards. That wasn’t close to all he did, however, as the sophomore went 17-of-24 for 182 yards and three more scores. He was near pristine on the night and looked to be truly dynamic. If he can continue to showcase his talents as the level of competition picks up (and as he plays full games instead of just the first half), he’s a true dark horse in this race.

5. JJ Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford

As Bryce Love and the Stanford rushing attack stalled to shocking degrees on Friday night, it was the passing game that ultimately carried them to a 31-10 victory over the San Diego State Aztecs. More specifically, it was the otherworldly type performance from senior wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside that really lit the spark for the Cardinal.

The massive 6-foot-3, 225-pound target simply couldn’t be stopped when it came to making big plays on Friday night. He finished the affair with six catches for 226 yards and three touchdowns. While that level of play is almost surely not sustainable, if he can continue to reel off touchdowns and big-time performances in that same vein, he could be the surprise Heisman candidate from Stanford, usurping Love.

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