With the 2014 Heisman Trophy race in the books, we take an early look at the possible 2015 candidates from the SEC.

Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia

Todd Gurley’s tumultuous season paved the way for Nick Chubb to have quite a spectacular freshman season in 2014. Chubb rushed for 1,281 yards on 186 carries and had 12 rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns. Starting on October 11, 2014 against Missouri, Chubb never rushed for fewer than 100 yards in each game. His average of 106.75 yards per game was second only behind Auburn’s Cameron Artis-Payne. His average yards per rush of 6.89 was tops in the league for any running back with at least 50 carries. With Gurley gone to the NFL, Chubb will be the main man in Athens for 2015, and he will enter the season with the nation’s attention. A Heisman run is very possible for Chubb.

Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

LSU’s prized running back was likely the most hyped incoming freshman across college football at the start of the 2014 season. Fournette’s season was successful with 891 yards on 176 carries, but ultimately, Fournette’s glitz lost some shine as a result of a mediocre LSU offense and also the sensational season of other freshman running back Nick Chubb. Like Chubb, Fournette will start the 2015 season with an enormous amount of hype. Most expect LSU to bounce back nicely next season and possibly provide a tailwind for Fournette’s Heisman pursuit.

Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State (assuming he returns)

Dan Mullen’s quarterback is considered to be 50/50 on whether he is returning for another season at Mississippi State, and if he does, he definitely will be considered a Heisman hopeful as the season begins. With that said, 2014 was likely Prescott’s best chance for a Heisman run. This season, Prescott threw for 2,996 yards with a 61.1% completion percentage. Additionally, the Bulldogs’ quarterback had 37 total touchdowns (24 throwing, 13 rushing).

Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama

With TJ Yeldon likely heading to the league, RB Derrick Henry looks to take the reins as the feature back for the Crimson Tide. Henry had a very productive season with 895 yards on 159 carries along with ten touchdowns. With QB Sims and WR Amari Cooper gone, Alabama could return to a more run-centric offense in 2015, and Henry’s personal numbers should benefit.

Speedy Noil, WR/KR, Texas A&M

Enough bruisers for this list! Let’s turn to the aptly named Speedy Noil who had 559 receiving yards on 44 catches in 2014. While Noil did not break for any touchdowns on punt and kick returns in 2014, Noil is a constant threat on special teams. What might hurt Noil’s chances for his pursuit of individual awards? The fact that the Aggie passing game spreads the ball around so much will likely hurt Noil’s numbers. This season, Noil had fewer catches and yards compared to sophomore Josh Reynolds (762 on 47 catches) and Malcome Kennedy (529 on 46 catches).

Who is missing from the list? Who should be considered a Heisman candidate next year?