| 31 August 2010
Another season of college football is almost upon us. As many sites, I have compiled my list (in order) of our H_ _ _ _ _ _ Memorial Trophy (further referenced as "HMT" due to the ludicrous nature of the Downtown Athletic Club's Draconian "No Fair Rights" rules) candidates.
Before we begin, let us throw out a little on opinion ... personally, I believe this award is over hyped. For far too long, the 'best' over all collegiate football player rarely wins this award. It is all subjective. While many great football players have won the trophy, many solid defensive players have been skipped over in the process.
Last season is indicative of this. Mark Ingram is a fantastic football player. He truly is. BUT ... and not enough actual voters do this litmus test ... remove Ingram from the team. Does his back-up duplicate his numbers? If so, or even if it is close, then justify the "best collegiate football player" mantra.
Keep in mind that this is a Pre-Season ballot ... of course, as this season progresses it can (and will) change.
This Pre-Season HMT ballot is brought to you by our friends at Cage Brawl Fights
Without further fan fare, here is my list:
Case Keenum, QB, Sr., Houston
489/697 for 5632 yards, 44 Td (15 INT's)
154.56 QB Rating
402.3 yards passing per game on 49 attempts
42 passing plays that went for more than 25+ yards, but his longest TD pass was 'only' 58 yards
Many people will automatically shout that Keenum is simply a system quarterback in a weak conference. Which both are true. When you get down to it ... aren't all collegiate football players a victim of the system their team runs? Weak conference or not, the stats are simply amazing.
Ryan Mallett, QB, Jr., Arkansas
225/403 for 3624 yards, 30 TD (7 INT's)
152.47 QB Rating
278.8 yards per game on 31 attempts
44 passing plays for 25+ yards, with a long of 83 yards
Many people expected Mallet to declare early for the NFL draft, but he returned to the Razorbacks. Mallet is the best pro prospect of this group. Still must learn to deliver the ball short with 'touch'. Mallet's upside potential is HUGE.
Jake Locker, QB, Sr., Washington
230/395 for 2800 yards, 21 TD (11 INT's)
129.75 QB QB Rating
233.3 yards per game on 32.9 attempts
26 passing plays for 25+ yards, but longest was 'only' 51 yards
Locker is extremely important to his team. Plays in a league in which the defenses are typically under rated. Has a decent running attack to share the burden with. Could have declared for the NFL draft, but decided to return to Washington.
Mark Ingram, RB, Jr., Alabama
271 attempts for 1658 yards and 17 TD
118.43 yards per game (6.12 yards per carry)
334 receiving yards
Will miss the season opener due to injury ... can he climb back in? Ingram led Alabama to last season's BCS Championship. Looking at Ingram's stats statically, he is a head turner. The only question most fans have is: could Trent Richardson duplicate these numbers? It is my feeling that Richardson might fall somewhat short, but the gap would not be that enormous. At the same time, Ingram was not the nation's leading rusher ... nor the best running back ... and was out gained by a Freshman last season:
Dion Lewis, RB, So., Pittsburgh
325 attempts for 1799 yards and 17 TD
138.38 yards per game (5.54 yards per carry)
189 receiving yards
In some circles, Lewis is a dark horse candidate. I see no reason whatsoever Lewis should not make many ballots. A smallish running back (5'8", 195 pounds), Lewis will be relied on heavily by the Pittsburgh team.
All stats obtained from CFBStats.com
