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

If Verdell is not reason enough to keep your eye on the Pac-12 this season, travel about 900 miles south down interstate five on the Pacific Coast and take a look at what Kedon Slovis does this season for the USC Trojans. Given the state of the Pac-12 South, the Trojans will contend for a conference title and Slovis will be the trigger man.

This is year two for the Arizona native in Graham Harrell’s Air Raid offense. After an impressive freshman season in which he was Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, Slovis looks to have an even bigger season.

The Trojans are loaded offensively this season. Though they lost wide receiver Michael Pittman, Jr. to the NFL, USC still has a load of talent at receiver. Both Tyler Vaughns and Amon-Ra St. Brown come back at the receiver position. Transfer Bru McCoy should finally be able to get on the field. They signed four-star wide receiver Gary Bryant, Jr. as well.

What helps both Slovis and the Trojans are the players coming back from injury. Stephen Carr and Marques Stepp come back from injury at running back. They get offensive linemen healthy as well. Everything adds up to Slovis having a big season.

A more consistent running game — Harrell likes to run a bit more than a traditional Air Raid — helps keep opposing offenses honest. With a receiving corps that might be the best in the conference, Slovis and the Trojans have an opportunity to score lots of points next season.

Look for Slovis to be the top quarterback in the Pac-12 next season.