What a week for the Heisman contenders. The frontrunners are starting to distance themselves from the pack as we move more toward the midseason of this year's hectic college football season. This week, you will see a lot of the same names from previous weeks but with one new member at the very end.
1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
I genuinely can’t believe what I’m watching. Jeanty has totaled 1,248 yards from scrimmage this year, averaging almost a first down per carry. Also, Jeanty has rushed for over 120 yards in every game he has played, including this past week, where he rushed for 217 yards while adding two touchdowns. Jeanty is looking to become the first non-power conference player to be invited to New York since LaDanian Tomlinson in 2000. Jeanty is chasing the record books for Boise State and the entirety of Division I football. Jeanty leaves no doubt that he should be the top candidate for this year‘s Heisman Trophy.
2. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Hunter missed the second half of this past week's game against the Kansas State Wildcats with a shoulder injury. Fortunately for the Buffaloes, he will return to action this week against Arizona. Hunter can do it all. Hunter has totaled 49 receptions for 587 yards and six touchdowns as a receiver. On the defensive side of the ball, Hunter plays an excellent role as the team’s leading cornerback. Hunter has yet to allow a touchdown and has two interceptions on the defensive side of the ball. Hunter is truly a sensational player to watch, and if healthy, could find himself in New York in December.
3. Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Cam Ward has done a phenomenal job at boosting Miami into the College Football Playoff picture. Ward has totaled 2,219 passing yards as well as 23 total touchdowns for the hurricane so far this season. Ward didn’t play this week but will have another chance to prove himself as the Hurricanes take on Louisville this week.
4. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon
Talk about a Heisman moment. Dillon Gabriel played a phenomenal game when the Ducks hosted Ohio State. Gabriel posted 373 yards and three touchdowns in the primetime matchup. Ultimately, the Ducks won the game due to Gabriel’s play. In his sixth year as a college football quarterback, Gabriel might finally have his chance for college football immortality. Don’t be surprised when you see Gabriel in New York this December.
5. Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana
Some of you fans out there might be a little confused to see Kurtis Rourke’s name on this list. However, he’s given many reasons for fans to consider him for a spot at this year’s Heisman Trophy ceremony. Rourke joins this list as the fourth transfer listed and he might be one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country. The Hoosiers are undefeated and one of the nation's most polarizing teams. Rourke has tossed for 1,752 yards with 16 touchdowns and boasts a 91.9 QBR, which is the best among all power for starting quarterbacks. This Hoosiers team has yet to trail anyone this season, and that is partially due to Rourke's stellar offensive play. Now, while you may be surprised to see Rourke on this list, don’t be surprised if the Hoosiers and Curt Cignetti keep winning for his name to be here week in and week out.
We are just about halfway through the college football season, and these five players have separated themselves from the field. Stay tuned weekly for my thoughts on this year’s Heisman Trophy race and the College Football Playoff.
Elms' Essentials: Week 12
