Auburn’s Cam Newton parlayed a Heisman win into the No.1 pick in the NFL draft, while the previous winner, Alabama’s Mark Ingram, was picked in the first round, so obviously, winning the award with the famous stiff-arm is a big deal. Here is a look at the top five to watch going into the 2011 season.
Andrew Luck, Stanford
Luck decided not to follow former coach Jim Harbaugh to the NFL and he’s staying at school, where the Cardinal should be a top-10 preseason pick. Luck will have to do it behind an offensive line that lost three starters and he’s down a couple of receivers, but he has the talent to carry the team on his back.
Denard Robinson, Michigan
“Shoelace” is learning a pro-style offense, but that shouldn’t make him any less dangerous. Robinson is the only player in NCAA history to pass and rush for over 1,500 yards, but the Wolverines want Robinson to stay in the pocket, which will hopefully keep him healthier. Experts who make the NCAA football picks provided by BetUs know that he’ll be one of the top picks of the year….if the team has a good record.
LaMichael James, Oregon
James led the nation in rushing with the high-powered Oregon offense, but the Ducks have to replace three starters up front. Still, their uptempo offense confuses the opposition, so James will likely have similar success in 2011.
Landry Jones, Oklahoma
Jones has taken over the reins from former Heisman winner and No.1 pick Sam Bradford, and he’ll have his No.1 target back in the form of receiver Ryan Broyles. The Oklahoma offense is built to put up a lot of points, and the onus will be on Jones and the passing game now that DeMarco Murray is in the NFL. Some have the Sooners as the No.1 team heading into next season, and Jones is at the forefront.
Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
Blackmon and quarterback Brandon Weeden set a slew of records next year and they’re back to do it again. Blackmon was second in the country in receiving yards and never had a game under 100 yards, along with a NCAA-high 20 scores.
