Fansided

Heisman Trophy: Top candidate from every Power 5 team in 2019

By Cody Williams

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: D'Andre Swift #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball in the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2018 SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: D'Andre Swift #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball in the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2018 SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 11
Next
college football odds
BLACKSBURG, VA – NOVEMBER 3: Running back AJ Dillon #2 of the Boston College Eagles carries the ball against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Lane Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

ACC Atlantic (Plus Notre Dame)

Boston College Eagles: A.J. Dillon, RB

The biggest hindrances to A.J. Dillon being a viable candidate are his health and the success of Boston College. Even still, the running back has been exceptionally productive when he’s been on the field and he’ll get a ton of work once again for the Eagles. If BC can somehow be a nine-win team, Dillon’s candidacy will be strengthened immensely.

Clemson Tigers: Trevor Lawrence, QB

Had Trevor Lawrence been the starter from the time he arrived at Clemson, he may have been in the Heisman conversation last year. That wasn’t the case but he’s the unquestioned guy now. Few players at his age have the ability and poise that Lawrence displayed last season and, with the talent surrounding him on offense, he’s primed to be a leading contender for the award.

Florida State Seminoles: Cam Akers, RB

The hope in Tallahassee is that things have now stabilized at Florida State under Willie Taggart. If that is indeed the case, perhaps this is the year Cam Akers is finally unleashed. Even after a rough start with the Seminoles, Akers’ talent is still undeniable. If the situation around him has finally actually improved, he could take the ACC by storm.

Louisville Cardinals: Jawon Pass, QB

Jawon Pass is hardly Lamar Jackson and Louisville is hardly going to be as successful as they were with Jackson at the helm of the offense. Even still, Pass is the firm starter for a Power 5 offense, which means that he’ll have the spotlight and opportunity necessary to potentially be a massive dark-horse candidate to make it to New York.

NC State Wolfpack: Matt McKay, QB

Sitting behind Ryan Finley has led to Matt McKay mostly being an unknown commodity. Even with that, he takes over the Wolfpack offense coming into the 2019 season. This offense might have plenty of growing pains, but the opportunity for McKay to light the world on fire will be there, even if it’s not the most realistic possibility on the table for him.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Ian Book, QB

Once Ian Book took over the Notre Dame offense from Brandon Wimbush, the Fighting Irish hit their stride — at least until they ran into Clemson in the College Football Playoff. Now fully entrenched as the starter, big things are expected of Book in 2019. The talent is there and he has a litany of pass-catching weapons to utilize, which should pave the way for a huge year.

Syracuse Orange: Tommy DeVito, QB

Filling the shoes of Eric Dungey is no easy task but Tommy DeVito appears ready to do so. We know that Dino Babers is going to play to the strengths of his new quarterback as he did with Dungey. On top of that, DeVito flashed his talent when he got on the field last season. If he puts it together, the talent and situation are right for him to shine at the helm of the Orange offense.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Jamie Newman, QB

After taking over the starting quarterback job at the end of last season, Jamie Newman has won the Wake Forest job coming into 2019. The dual-threat quarterback impressed when he got his chance last season and, with a full offseason competing with the first-team offense and now with the confidence of the team behind him, he could take off and be a breakout star.