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We’ve gone through the Big 10, SEC, Pac-12, and Gang of 5 Heisman candidates. The Big 12 exists too, with much of it being copious quantities of unknown talent. There is still immense skill position ability all over the conference, but it is just beginning to step into the limelight for the most part. You know that at places like Oklahoma State, Baylor, or West Virginia, guys will step in and do big things at quarterback; you’re probably just not familiar with the names that will soon be doing those things.
Good thing there’s a column for something like that, right?
7. Skyler Howard, QB, West Virginia
This is one of those, “If I’m right and he makes noise, please feel free to refer to this article” inclusions, but Howard in limited time last season showed pretty well for the Mountaineers. He racked up nearly 350 yards passing against Texas A&M in the Liberty Bowl to close out the season, and has a dual-threat ability that could see him amass large numbers in the WVU offense. The Mountaineers will need to win games though, more than they have been winning, for him to go from a point of curiosity to a national name.
6. Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma
This is another off-the-beaten-path type of pick, but Shepard had one of the more unique sets of numbers in 2014, relative to his previous season. In 2013, he caught 51 balls for 603 yards. In 2014, he caught 51 balls for 970. Call it a testament to the coaching staff, Shepard learning how to make the explosive play, or a little of both, but it’s clear if he can continue on that arc with several more touches, people will get to know him pretty darn fast.
5. Shock Linwood, RB, Baylor
Absent having the best name in college football, he’s also running behind one of the best offensive lines in the sport. Basically, you could get a broken down Crown Vic through some of the holes the Bears make before anyone would touch the darn thing. Linwood gets there in a hurry, though (I mean, the dude’s name is Shock), and should pile up massive stats as Baylor’s offense moves up and down the field at will.
4. Seth Russell, QB, Baylor
Russell has a small army of offense on his side, what with K.D. Cannon and Corey Coleman catching passes and the aforementioned Linwood running behind him, not to mention arguably the Big 12’s best offensive line. Still, for whatever reason, it seems as though Baylor quarterbacks don’t get the pub you’d think they would for the gaudy numbers. With another flaccid out of conference schedule, the Bears probably would need to run the table for Russell to get Heisman pub. The numbers will be there.
3. Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
This might be a ranking reach since for whatever reason, OSU quarterbacks never really seem to get the national hype that belie their numbers (sort of like Baylor), but much is expected of Rudolph along with the Pokes. Oklahoma State is sitting there with a nice schedule to put some seriously noteworthy wins on the wall. Kansas State, TCU, Baylor, and Oklahoma are all at home (the latter three in the last four weeks of the season). Asking a guy with a career six touchdown passes to make Heisman noise is a leap of faith, so let’s jump.
2. Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma
In a year nationally dubbed as being defined by “the return of the running back” (you know, before we actually play a snap), Perine might be the most bad-intentioned one of the bunch. Perine runs like a steamroller going 50 miles per hour, and at 5’11” and 240, is scornfully difficult to bring down. He runs the football with disdain for human life in the opposite colored jerseys. At any rate, the sophomore would face an uphill climb, but he forces you to pay attention and will truck anything on the way there.
1. Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU
Having been responsible for the third most total yards per game in 2014 (354.5), and returning from a season when he was responsible for 42 touchdowns and 4,608 total yards (both TCU records), suffice to say big things are expected of Boykin in 2015. It’ll be a tough encore … ostensibly like Hootie and the Blowfish following up “Cracked Rear View” … but the big desired skin on the wall is that elusive shot to play for a title. Boykin has to be a top-5 national favorite for the Heisman, easily.
