With the college football season on the horizon, it's time to take a look at the talented student athletes most likely to contend for the prestigious Heisman trophy award in 2013. CLA expects a wide open race with many worthy competitors.
Texas A&M redshirt freshman dual-threat quarterback Johnny Manziel has ascended to the top of the Heisman list. Johnny Football has been gaining momentum since leading the Aggies to an upset of defending national champion Alabama.
For the year, Manziel has thrown for over 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 1114 yards and 17 touchdowns. Manziel will have one more chance to make his case when the Aggies host Missouri Saturday night in College Station.
West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith is the clear front runner for the Heisman trophy after a ridiculous 656 yard, eight touchdown performance against Baylor. The undefeated Mountaineers first Big 12 game set quite a standard for offensive excellence. For the season, Smith has 20 touchdowns with no interceptions and an 83 percent completion percentage.
USC senior quarterback Matt Barkley enters the 2012 season as the clear front runner for the Heisman Trophy. With an arsenal of playmakers at his disposal, including receivers Robert Woods and Marqise Lee, Barkley should put up big numbers on his way to leading the Trojans to the national title.
Heading into his fourth season under center, Barkley has the experience and leadership needed to lead USC back to greatness. Barring injury, expect Matt Barkley to take home the Heisman, win a national title and be the first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
