Oklahoma Quarterback Spencer Rattler and Alabama Quarterback Bryce Young, Lead A list of 2021 Heisman Hopefuls

If one thing the Heisman Trophy has taught us is that favorites going into the year rarely win.

This time last year, the Heisman favorite was former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawerence, but the winner of the Heisman in 2021 was former Alabama wide receiver, Devonta Smith.

This year’s batch of Heisman favorites has a lot of familiar names on the list. The question is, however, will they win or will another dark horse candidate emerge?

Spencer Rattler, quarterback, Oklahoma

According to Vegas Insider, the top Heisman candidate going into this season is the OU quarterback, which shouldn’t be a shock to anyone. According to ESPN, Rattler threw for over 3,000 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. 

A Sooner quarterback being a Heisman winner is normal. Both NFL quarterbacks Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield won Heisman’s while at OU. Murray won the Heisman in 2018 and Mayfield won the Heisman the year before in 2017.

In those years, the Sooners also went to the college football playoffs. If Rattler can put up big numbers this year as he did this past year, he will not only have a good chance of winning the Heisman but may lead his team to the national championship.

D.J. Uiagalelei, quarterback, Clemson

The Tigers have another quarterback in the mix for the Heisman who shined in the games he played in last year. When Trevor Lawerence was out a few games when he was diagnosed with COVID-19, Uiagalelei stepped in his place.

In Clemson’s biggest regular-season game of the year, which was a close 47-40 loss in overtime to Notre Dame, he threw for 439 yards and two touchdown passes.

Uiagalelei coming into that game and playing well proved that despite Lawerence moving on to the NFL, there won’t be a drop-off at the qb position coming into this year.

Bryce Young, quarterback, Alabama

In 2021, Alabama had three Heisman candidates-quarterback Mac Jones, running back Najee Harris, and Heisman winner wide receiver Devonta Smith.

Young is considered high on the Heisman list because of what he brings to the table. Since stepping on campus in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, expectations have been high.

In mop-up duty for Jones, Alabama head coach Nick Saban didn’t let the quarterback do much but he did shine in the only touchdown pass he threw last season that wowed Bama fans and had the college football world take notice.

Young can not only throw but he is mobile as well. He is expected to lead the Tide to back-to-back national championships.

Heisman Dark Horses

There are always a few dark horses that come out of nowhere. Some names are known but most are unknown, that’s why they are considered dark horses.

Georgia quarterback JT Daniels threw for over 1200 yards and 10 touchdown passes in limited action last year for the Bulldogs. He may be the key to Georgia winning the national championship if he can stay healthy.

A name not mentioned often on this list is a running back. The last running back to win the Heisman was Derrick Henry of Alabama, which could change this year with Iowa State running back Breece Hall. 

According to Bleacher Report, Hall averaged 131 yards per game and scored almost two touchdowns per game too. Hall’s Heisman hopes depend on how well the Cyclones play this year and if he is the main reason they succeed this season. 

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The post Oklahoma Quarterback Spencer Rattler and Alabama Quarterback Bryce Young, Lead A list of 2021 Heisman Hopefuls appeared first on Sportscasting | Pure Sports.

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By: Stacey Mickles
Title: Oklahoma Quarterback Spencer Rattler and Alabama Quarterback Bryce Young, Lead A list of 2021 Heisman Hopefuls
Sourced From: www.sportscasting.com/oklahoma-quarterback-spencer-rattler-alabama-quarterback-bryce-young-lead-list-2021-heisman-hopefuls/
Published Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2021 17:48:12 +0000