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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Brian Robinson, Alabama Crimson Tide. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Heisman Trophy dark horse No. 3: Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Alabama

With Najee Harris now suiting up for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Crimson Tide now have to go to the next man up in the backfield. And while there is a talented young group of players in the building in Tuscaloosa, all signs point to super senior Brian Robinson Jr. taking over as the lead back in the Alabama offense.

Anyone who’s watched Nick Saban’s program over the past few years has caught glimpses of Robinson as he’s totaled 250 carries over the past three seasons. He’s also been relatively effective when called upon, averaging 5.0 yards per carry for his career with 15 touchdowns to his credit as well.

Robinson is obviously going to be assuming a much bigger role than he has before, but he’ll be doing so behind one of the most talented offensive lines in college football and with plenty of other weapons in the offense that opposing defenses will have to attend to, thus opening up lanes for the veteran to work.

On top of all of this, Alabama will be breaking in a new quarterback in Bryce Young. While there likely won’t be any proverbial training wills for the wunderkind signal-caller, there still could be a heavy emphasis on the rushing attack to ease some of the pressure. That formula could spell big numbers for the experienced Crimson Tide runner finally getting his shot.