5 underrated Heisman Trophy candidates that need to be shown more love

Five underrated Heisman Trophy candidates that could upset Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields.

If last season taught us anything, it was that you do not have to start the season as the Heisman frontrunner to win. Joe Burrow winning the Heisman gives credence to a dark horse candidate or contrarian candidate.

Every winner since 2010 was not exactly frontrunners at the beginning of the season. What Cam Newton did that season was similar to what Joe Burrow did last season. Newton was not only a favorite to begin the season, he was not on the radar.

Jake Locker, Terrelle Pryor, and Mark Ingram — who won the award the previous season — had the best odds to win the award. Newton put the Auburn Tigers on his back and led them to an undefeated season.

Just like Newton, Burrow rode his Heisman and National Championship to become the No. 1 pick in the draft. Pay attention to the front-runners. Watch Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence light up scoreboards this season.

Five underrated Heisman Trophy candidates that could end up in NYC.

Oregon Junior running back CJ Verdell is not in the top 20 according to the Heisman Trophy odds. That should not concern anyone who knows about preseason Heisman odds. Joe Burrow was +4000 during the summer before the 2019 season.

Since 2009, there were three players with no odds to win the Heisman; Cam Newton, Mark Ingram, and Johnny Manziel. When Lamar Jackson won in 2016 his odds were +10000. These are not the only reasons to keep your eyes on Eugene, Oregon.

Verdell is in line for a big year for the Ducks for several seasons. There was an old cliche about football: “There are two things that travel, defense and a running game.” While the Ducks break in a new starting quarterback and offensive line, head coach Mario Cristobal will lean on Verdell a lot this season.

The Chula Vista, California native is coming off of another 1,000 yard rushing season. Though they are replacing four offensive linemen from last season, Penne Sewell returns and the Oregon staff has recruited well enough to replace last year’s group.

Mario Cristobal hiring Joe Moorehead as offensive coordinator was a sign that the Ducks want to open the offense. This is good news for Verdell. Moorehead was the offensive coordinator at Penn State when Saquan Barkley was running back.

There is no doubt Moorehead knows how to get the most out of the running back position. Verdell is a tough runner between the tackles and can catch the ball out of the backfield. Verdell could be a non-quarterback invited to New York City.