Party Crashers: 10 Heisman Trophy dark horse candidates you can’t count out

Heisman dark horse No. 4: Will Shipley, RB, Clemson

Because of the quarterback debate at Clemson regarding incumbent starter D.J. Uiagalelei and freshman Cade Klubnik, it feels as if Will Shipley might be getting overlooked. The truth of the matter, however, is that the running back might have as big of a factor in the success of the Tigers offense, if not more of one.

As a highly touted true freshman last season who was limited to 10 games with an injury, Shipley still showcased his ability as he took 149 carries for 739 yards and 11 scores and 16 receptions for 116 yards.

Shipley is a dynamic player in the backfield that, for my money, will be the heart of a resurgent Clemson team on offense. As such, my belief is he’ll be deserving of flowers and a potential nod in the Heisman Trophy race could be in order depending on just how well he performs.

Heisman dark horse No. 3: Grayson McCall, QB, Coastal Carolina

Grayson McCall is not a dark horse because he’s slipping under any radars. The man who is famed for his ability to “p*ss teal” has been in the mix as one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football in Jamey Chadwell’s offense at Coastal Carolina. But therein lies the reason that he’s a dark horse — the Chanticleers aren’t exactly a hotbed for potential Heisman candidates.

Even so, McCall has thrown for 5,361 yards with 53 touchdowns and only six interceptions over the past two years while rushing for 851 yards and 11 more scores as well. He runs the Coastal offense to absolute perfection and, just as importantly, the team should be in the national conversation again as one of the best Group of 5 squads in the country.

Who knows if he’ll get serious consideration, but his experience, production and history suggest that he can’t be ruled out coming into the season.