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First look at the top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates for 2019

By Cody Williams

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 07: Alabama Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa poses with the Heisman Trophy at the New York Stock Exchange on December 7, 2018 at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 07: Alabama Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa poses with the Heisman Trophy at the New York Stock Exchange on December 7, 2018 at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CLEMSON, SC – NOVEMBER 17: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers drops back to pass against the Duke Blue Devils at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

2. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

Dabo Swinney was adamant that he was holding a fair competition over the first four games of the Clemson Tigers’ regular season at the starting quarterback position. Incumbent starter Kelly Bryant and freshman signal-caller Trevor Lawrence were both given ample time in those first four games, but it was clear that the offense was far better when the latter was on the field. The question was, however, if the head coach would make such a bold move to name the freshman the outright starter.

Swinney, however, made the gutsy and right call for the Tigers and let Lawrence stay. The true freshman quarterback rewarded him with a fantastic season, helping lead the Tigers to an undefeated regular season record, an ACC Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

In his freshman season, Lawrence threw for 2,606 yards, 24 touchdowns and just four interceptions while completing a solid 65 percent of his throws on the year as well. What’s most impressive about the youngster, though, is that he got better as the year went on. The more trust and experience that he gained, the more that he delivered the goods on the biggest stages for Clemson.

With a full season and then the College Football Playoff under his belt entering the 2019 season, Lawrence should be ready to firmly establish himself as a golden-locked superstar. He checks every box for what you want in a star quarterback and he should make the leap to Heisman candidate in his second season.

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