2020 Heisman Trophy rankings: Justin Fields, Trevor Lawrence lead top 10 candidates

8. Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon

It takes an unbelievably special effort for a defensive player to make it to New York City as a Heisman Trophy finalist. The fact that Chase Young was able to do it speaks to the rare talent that the Ohio State defensive end displayed in the 2019 season. But it’s worth noting that it took him accruing 16.5 sacks while missing two games to get the nod as a finalist. So to say it’s a longshot would be an understatement.

As rare of a talent as Young is though, there is just as much of an incredible player developing out in Eugene. Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux already looks like he could be a future top-five NFL Draft pick with the performances that he’s put on film and the young man is only just finishing his true freshman season under Mario Cristobal.

In that freshman season, the 6-foot-5, 242-pound Thibodeaux did not look like it was his first taste of the college level. Instead, he looked like a player capable of making opposing offensive linemen look like they were the newcomers. He finished the 2019 season with 34 total tackles and nine sacks along with three passes defenses and one forced fumble.

Thibodeaux also saved his best effort for the biggest moment of Oregon’s season. The freshman defensive end came up with five tackles and 2.5 sacks in the Pac-12 Championship Game victory over Utah. Seeing a young player step up when he’s needed most on that type of stage is highly impressive and speaks to the type of talent and mentality Thibodeaux has.

If another defensive player is going to make a Heisman run, the Ducks young star is the best bet in college football.