The 2020 Heisman Preview
1. DeVonta Smith (Alabama)- I’ve been in awe watching him play this year. He’s been everything for this Crimson Tide offense this season. When I watch him play, he reminds me a lot of Marvin Harrison. Just like the Hall of Famer, DeVonta is a smaller receiver that’s quick, yet explosive when moving up the field. Anytime Mac Jones needed him to make a play, he did it. He has quick feet and runs the route tree with consistency. It doesn’t matter the route that he’s running, he makes plays regardless of where he is on the field.
2. Mac Jones (Alabama)- I think he’s done more than enough to not be known as the guy who replaced Tua Tagovailoa. He’s made his own name. Mac threw 32 touchdown passes and only four interceptions on the season. He’s a quiet leader that sets the example and his teammates follow. Mac is a true pocket quarterback, something you don’t see much of anymore because so many playing the position are moving the pocket or making things happen with their mobility. He’s been the anchor behind one of the best offenses in the country.
3. Trevor Lawrence (Clemson)- He was the projected favorite to win the award as we entered the season. What he’s done at Clemson has been remarkable. I still remember when Dabo Swinney had a “quarterback controversy” back in 2018. He benches Kelly Bryant and starts Trevor. The rest is history. With any other quarterback, you win games. However, with Trevor, you win titles. He impacts the game both as a passer and a runner. When I watch him throw, it looks effortless. It’s a flick of his wrist. His numbers would be higher if he hadn’t missed a few games.
4. Kyle Trask (Florida)- He was a backup in 2019. That same year, he comes in and the job is his to lose. 2020 ends up being his first full year as the starting quarterback and he didn’t disappoint. Kyle led the country in touchdown passes with 43. I noticed a guy each time he dropped back into the pocket that was able to spread the ball around to the open receiver. That Florida offense isn’t what they were without number 11 under center. Dan Mullen found a gem.
Prediction: I like DeVonta Smith to win the 2020 Heisman Trophy. He put together the best season I’ve ever seen from a wide receiver in college football. DeVonta put together a stretch during the regular season where he had 144 yards receiving or more in six of seven games. Against Ole Miss, he had 203 receiving yards and on December 5th against LSU, he had a season-high 231 yards receiving and three touchdowns. He’s been a consistent threat on the field. Furthermore, he will be the first guy that isn’t a quarterback or running back to win the award since Charles Woodson in 1997.
