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

If Rondale Moore gets a ticket to New York, it’s because the Boilermakers made a Cinderella-like run in the Big Ten West. If the Boilermakers make a Cinderella-like run, it is because Moore had a lights out season.

Moore has several things working in his favor as a Heisman dark horse. Though he is listed as a wide receiver, head coach Jeff Brohm and co-offensive coordinator — and brother — Brian Brohm will line Moore all over the field.

He’ll run plenty of jet sweeps, in addition to bubble screens. Moore returns both kicks and punts; there are plenty of opportunities for him to put up numbers. For the Boilermakers to break out in a competitive West, Moore has to.

The New Albany, Indiana native has everything around him to have a breakout season. This year won’t be “Rondale or bust” offensively. Sophomore David Bell had an incredible freshman season. The Boilers welcome combo receiver/tight end Maliq Carr and Tirek Murphy the top-rated running back from the state of New York.

They do have to figure out who is playing quarterback, but the Boilermakers have two great options in Aidan O’Connell and Jake Plummer. The offensive line also needs to take a step forward to give the quarterback time to throw.

If there is one thing that works against Moore, it is the position he plays. The last wide receiver to win the Heisman was Desmond Howard in 1989. When a receiver puts up numbers, they usually give all of the publicity to the quarterback. Since Moore will line up everywhere, he can avoid that.