Mid-Season 2009 Heisman Trophy Candidates

The 2009 Heisman Trophy Ceremony may already be planning a name to go on the award, but there are still several Heisman candidates that might have something to say before the college football season comes to a close. It's time to take Sam Bradford out of the Heisman race because of his early season injury, but if he pulls the miracle and get Oklahoma into the 2009 NCAA Championship, we may have to re-think that decision. That leaves some really good players on the list as 2009 Heisman Trophy hopefuls, and here they are in no particular order. A few players could get on the list by the end of the season, but currently there are definitely some players that are distancing themselves from the class.

Top 5 Mid-Season Heisman Trophy Candidates

Colt McCoy -- Texas -- Quarterback

Colt McCoy has Texas flying high still, and has an amazing passer rating of 149.2 this season. He has his biggest test of the season coming up against Oklahoma, but a victory could really sky-rocket his Heisman stock. Currently (through 5 games) McCoy has 1,410 passing yards and 10 passing touchdowns to lead the Longhorns.

Jimmy Clausen -- Notre Dame -- Quarterback

Clausen has been a huge surprise early on in the 2009 college football season, and he could falter with some tough games ahead, but right now he is definitely in the Heisman hunt. Clausen has 1,544 passing yards to go with 12 passing touchdowns and a passer rating of 179.3 so far. Very outstanding numbers for the QB, but the loss of his best wide receiver could catch up to him.

Tim Tebow -- Florida -- Quarterback

Tebow has to be mentioned, even though he did go through the injury, and has put up statistics that aren't that glamorous yet. He beat LSU though, and that keeps him in the running, despite only 777 passing yards this season. To the credit of Tebow, he does have 309 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns to add to his totals.

Tony Pike -- Cincinnati -- Quarterback

Pike has been absolutely amazing for the Bearcats, and has them running high in the AP and USA Today polls. Pike has already put up 1,633 passing yards and has thrown for 15 passing touchdowns in 2009. After being Miami and South Florida to get his team to 6-0 people are really taking notice. If he can finish very strong in the Big East he could stand a chance. Being in what some would consider a second tier conference could work against him though.

Mark Ingram -- Alabama -- Running Back

Ingram makes this list because he is going to have some big games to showcase his talent coming up on Alabama's schedule. He is playing above his head at the moment, with 659 rushing yards already in just his sophomore year at Alabama. If he can put up big numbers in these Bowl deciding games coming up, Ingram is going to be noticed on a national scale. That could turn into Heisman gold for him.

Source: Stats from Espn.com