Top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates and 5 dark horse picks for 2021

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 19: Spencer Rattler #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks for an open receiver against the Iowa State Cyclones in the second quarter of the 2020 Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship football game at AT&T Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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Bryce Young, Alabama Crimson Tide (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

5. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

The other player who had to be included along with Uiagalelei is another quarterback replacing a Heisman Trophy finalist from last year. This time, it’s Bryce Young at Alabama, who takes over the Crimson Tide offense after Mac Jones made more than the most out of his one year as the starter for the program.

Unlike DJ-U, though, Young didn’t see the field in any meaningful capacity as a freshman in Tuscaloosa. He largely got on the field in mop-up duty, so his work was definitely limited. All told, he only threw 22 passes, completing 13 of them for 156 yards and one touchdown. But hey, he also didn’t throw an interception, so that’s working in his favor.

With that said, Young is a supremely gifted young quarterback, blessed with a big arm and awe-inspiring athleticism for a quarterback. He has the ability to be a dual-threat player at the position that not only feeds a loaded Alabama wide receiver corps but makes plays with his legs as well.

Based on potential, Young easily could’ve been in the top three of these preseason rankings. Instead, though, I’m taking a slightly more cautious approach for the simple reason that we haven’t seen enough of him in real action. If he ends up as a Heisman finalist, though, it would be far from shocking given the upside and situation he’s stepping into.