Who are the 2016 ACC Football Heisman Candidates? - SCACCHoops.com

Who are the 2016 ACC Football Heisman Candidates?

by All Things ACC

Posted: 6/14/2016 11:31:08 AM


The ACC conference could be in for a special year player wise with the amount of talent that is returning on both sides of the ball.

Heading into the season there are already a few names that could stand out as Heisman contenders and All Things ACC takes a look at a few names.

Deshaun Watson – Clemson

Watson certainly is the name that is the face of the ACC this coming year. After throwing for 4,104 yards and rushing for another 1,000 on the ground, there is no doubt that he will be the leader once again for the Tigers that have National Title hopes again this season.  Last year, Watson finished third in the Heisman race and there might not be a team in better shape at the position than Dabo Swinney and Clemson.  If he can repeat the numbers he had last season, Watson will be again a finalist for the award.

Dalvin Cook – Florida State

The quick and elusive running back led the league in rushing this past season with 1,691 yards and 19 touchdowns for the Seminoles and he will again be the focal point on the offensive side of the ball. Cook has a chance to repeat what he did last season when he averaged 140 yards per game and seven yards per carry.  One thing to look at though was his last game against Houston, where the Cougars shut down Cook.  He won’t be able to have repeat performances like that again next year.

Elijah Hood – North Carolina

Hood could be a little bit of a sleeper pick for many but after he burst onto the scene last year for the Tar Heels, he could become a household name throughout the country. He ran last year for 1,463 yards and 17 touchdowns last season and that was with the mobile quarterback in Marquise Williams.  Now, Mitch Trubisky, more of a throwing quarterback, will lead the way and if he can create havoc through the air, it will only open up the lanes for Hood.  With Hood and T.J. Logan in the backfield, it could be one of the better 1-2 tandems in the country.

Wayne Gallman – Clemson

Watson isn’t the only Heisman contender that could burst onto the scene. Gallman was second in the league in rushing with 1,527 yards and 13 touchdowns last season for the Tigers and showed just how explosive and strong he can be in the backfield.  It will be interesting to watch though with the throwing and mobility of Watson, will Gallman repeat another year like he had?  Or will the numbers of Watson need to be repeated for him to reach them?

Brad Kaaya – Miami

Kaaya has always been a highly respected quarterback in the ACC but under new head coach Mark Richt, he could develop into an even bigger name nation-wide. He was second overall in total passing yards in the ACC and only threw for five interceptions.  However, throwing for 16 touchdowns didn’t cut it and that number will need to double for Kaaya to be in the discussion, along with Miami returning to a national power (which the two could be linked together).

Lamar Jackson – Louisville

Jackson has had his struggles at Louisville but this could be the year that he breaks out on a national level. The Cardinals return a lot of talent and could compete in the Atlantic with Clemson and Florida State, but it will be depended on Jackson’s arm and mobility.  But if any Jackson can do anything remotely close to what he showed in the Spring Game (throwing for seven touchdowns), there is no doubt he will be in the race.

James Connor – Pittsburgh

Connor is a name that many have not forgotten but it has been a while since seeing him on the field. But before missing the season, he ran for 1,765 yards in 2014 and 26 touchdowns, which would have led the conference this past season.  It will be interesting to see what he could do but the Panthers have a few options in the backfield.

Others Players To Watch:

  • Isaiah Ford – WR – Virginia Tech
  • Mike Williams – WR – Clemson
  • Devonte Fields – LB – Louisville
  • Travis Rudolph – WR – Florida State
  • Ryan Switzer – WR – North Carolina
  • Mitch Trubisky – QB – North Carolina

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