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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JT Daniels, Georgia Bulldogs. (Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports) /

3. JT Daniels, QB, Georgia

Even when Georgia was winning early in the season, there were concerns about how pedestrian the offense looked with Stetson Bennett at the helm. And that feeling was exacerbated by the fact that JT Daniels was on the roster and seemingly waiting to be unleashed. Those beliefs were validated — unfortunately, a bit too late for the Bulldogs’ title chances — whenever Kirby Smart finally handed the keys to the offense over to the former 5-star USC commit as Daniels completely revolutionized the passing game when he took over.

In four games with the Dawgs, Daniels was a delight to watch as he completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 1,231 yards with 10 touchdowns to only two interceptions. It wasn’t just the numbers, though. Daniels was a breath of fresh air among UGA quarterbacks as he was willing and able to take chances down the field and push the envelope to make explosive plays. That’s something that had been sorely lacking for several years.

Admittedly, it’s unfortunate that George Pickens will miss at least some of 2021 (if not the whole year) due to tearing his ACL this offseason, taking away Daniels’ best weapon. That said, this is still a loaded Bulldogs offense with a newfound mentality now that the quarterback has taken control. And as I expect the Dawgs to be in the College Football Playoff mix, Daniels should put himself in the Heisman Trophy running.