Mike Sutphin

The CFB season is just a few short weeks away and I know everyone is excited for the season to start. The ACC is an extremely competitive conference with a lot of talented players, some of which have a real shot at taking home the Heisman Trophy come December. I am here to tell you exactly who those guys are.

Cam Akers, Florida State

Coming off a freshman season where he rushed for 1,024 yards and 7 TDs, Akers is poised to have a big year this season. Breaking Dalvin Cook’s FSU freshman yards record, he put those types of numbers against teams stacking the box against him after QB Deandre Francois went down with a season-ending injury week 1 against Alabama. With his explosive speed and cuts, along with new head coach Willie Targgart coming in, Akers should be in good shape to be in the Heisman race.

Heisman Moment Matchups: vs Clemson, @ Miami, and @ Notre Dame

Kelly Bryant

Bryant replaced Deshaun Watson last season and did an exceptional job. He threw for 2,802 yards and 13 touchdowns, on 66 completion percentage. Bryant was able to lead Clemson to an ACC title and the CFB Playoff, before eventually falling short against Alabama. To win the award though, Bryant’s biggest challenge may come in the form of Trevor Lawrence, the star recruit he will have to beat out for the starting gig. Being a dual-threat QB in a Dabo scheme is lethal though, just look at Watson for example. Expect Bryant to improve on his 13-8 TD-Int ratio and be in the convo for Heisman.

Heisman Moment Matchups: @ FSU, @ Texas A&M, vs Louisville

Ryan Finley

Finley led the Wolfpack to 9 wins and a bowl win against ASU last season while throwing for 3,518 yards and 17 TDs. He improved his completion percentage by 5 points from 2016 to 2017. While Finley is a bit of a dark horse to win the Heisman,  with a huge year and 10 wins he could find himself in the running for the award. NC State is returning a majority of their receiving corps and could possibly be the best team in school history. Finley is in great shape to make some noise in the nation.

Heisman Moment Matchups: vs FSU, @ Louisville, @ Clemson

Travis Entienne

Another Clemson player who could be in contention, Travis only ran for 766 yards last season, but averaged 7.3 ypc, good for 4th in school history, and had 13 TDs. He did all that as a freshman. With a whole year under his belt, he should see more opportunity in a Clemson office that likes to spread the ball around to all their weapons. He is an elite player in the open field and will make the most of his touches.

Heisman Moment Matchups: @ FSU, @ Texas A&M, vs Louisville

 

These guys are electric playmakers who will light up the field this season. Don’t be surprised to hear these players making highlights and headlines. Comment or tweet at me your opinion on these candidates. I’m always down to interact.