Published September 14, 2011 - 9:57am
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We have a long way to go to see who the winner of the 2011 Heisman Trophy will be, but it is fun to see who should be considered in the SEC right now. We’ll take a look at players within the SEC every few weeks or so.
Here are five candidates who should be considered right now:
1. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina: Lattimore is second in the conference in rushing, with 288 yards and four touchdowns. His 5.8 yards per carry is better than last year’s, and that should stay around 5 yards per carry throughout the year. He’s bigger and stronger this year, and let us not forget what he can do in the passing game as well. He has been very key in the Gamecocks’ two wins thus far.
2. Vick Ballard, RB, Mississippi State: Ballard is leading the SEC in rushing with 301 yards, and he has added four touchdowns on the year. He is averaging 150 yards per game on 9.7 yards per carry. With State losing this past weekend against Auburn, it will likely keep him dropping week after week. However, he is a special talent who should have a very good year.
3. Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee: Bray has come out throwing lights out in 2010. Yes, it has been against inferior competition, but you cannot discount the overall body of work thus far. Bray is leading the SEC in passing yards (698), touchdowns (7) and completion percentage (78.5). We will find out what kind of quarterback he is under pressure this week in Gainesville, but he is off to a very hot start.
4. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: Richardson hasn’t started off like most thought. He is 10th in the conference in rushing yards, but he is leading the SEC in scoring, with five total touchdowns. As teams and defenses wear down throughout the season, Richardson will still have a chance to go strong because of his weight and durability.
5. Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee: I’m going to give some love to Justin Hunter, who I think is one of the best wide receivers in the SEC this year. His length, hands, athletic ability and speed make him a special combination. Hunter is leading the SEC in receiving right now with 302 yards, and he has added two touchdowns. The kid is a freak, and he is the next great wide receiver in this great conference. Watch out for him this year.
Other notables:
Chris Rainey, RB, Florida: He does it against non-SEC opponents year after year, but can it do it in the SEC this year? This is a player to watch moving forward, and he is a bit of a darkhorse. He is the game plan right now at Florida because of his electric moves when he has the football.
Obviously there is a long way to go in this season, but it is always fun to look at the best players in the league and talk about the Heisman.
Where is Mike Dyer? Slightly less rush yards than Lattimore, but also with 4 rushing TDs.
Yeah, what? How am I supposed to take this list seriously when Dyer isn’t on it? Auburn fan or not, the kid is poised to have an incredible year.
Even as a Bama fan. Dyer should be on this list. He is very good, and a key player in the SEC.
Tennessee is going to be a lot more competitive this year than they have been for the past 4 or 5 years. The combination of an accurate passer (Tyler Bray) and a whole corp of talented receivers is going to give defensive coaches in the SEC nightmares! I’m not ready to go out on a limb and say they will win the Eastern Division, but I also wouldn’t say they don’t have a chance. GO BIG ORANGE!
Dyer? Alshon Jeffery?
Yeah, Dyer should be on the list! He just got lost in the Cam storm! He and Lattimore are vert good friends.Lattimor has REALLY put the time in this offseason & garnered the title ” King of the Wieghtroom!!” The Announcers were amazed after his ladt seried aginst UGA the “Lattimore isn’t even WINDED” LMAO ,he only got 27-28 carries LOL!! Last year aginst UGA he had 37 carries, as a freshman !!!!LOL. Yeah Lattimore n Dyer made friends when Auburn tried to recruit him,and the two have remained close friends!!
Dyer is a paid cheater and won’t last the season, TR? What a joke. Joe Adams is better than all in the SEC.
Wow, no Dyer even though he has more yards off less carries for more yards per carry than Richardson. Throw in the fact that Richardson has played 2 high school teams while Auburn has played a decent Utah St and a strong defense in Miss St and it makes this list crap. Dyer has beat the bricks off Richardson (just like he did last year as a 3rd string RB) against much tougher teams.
And where the crap is Alshon Jeffery? He has had a better year than 3 players on this list and could make the arguement that he is the best SC player.
Hey Jacob,are you related to Cody Waldrop? I believe I have him as a friend on Facebook! Another good kid with LOTS of upside!! Well ur comments lead me to believe ur a gamecocks fan as I am? Either way take care and take em easy!!,R
Led…not lead! LOL
Are you trippin? The only drawback to the top SEC’s Heisman contender is Jeffery may split some votes? I have followed this young man as much as I can in some spare time & one thing I have noticed is this is a darn good kid with a darn good work ethic! He would make an excellant role model after the past decade has left the most coveted award for players in history a bit tarnished! Lattimore can add a great deal of polish to this individual award!! It couldn’t come at a better time !!! He has also added 15 lbs of sheer muscle to his athletic physique! He was awarded the “KING OF THE WEIGHTROOM” by the S&C coach!! I feel as if Mr.Lattimore has the attention of the whole league,and for good reason !!!