The Top Contenders for the 2010 Heisman Trophy

The start of the college football season is right around the corner and that means two things; preseason rankings and 2010 Heisman favorites. Since little weight should be put in the preseason rankings, lets take a look at the top contenders who will beholding the Heisman trophy at the end of the year.

Mark Ingram Running Back - Alabama

There are some who think the reigning 2009 Heisman winner has the inside track to repeat this season, but is that truly the case?

He should be a favorite because Ingram is the primary offensive threat on a veteran offense. Heisman voters will get to see Ingram showcase his abilities in big games against teams like Florida, Penn State, LSU, and Arkansas.

There are two things that can hurt Ingram and his chance to earn his second Heisman trophy at the end of the 2010 college football season..

The first thing will be his own team, specifically Trent Richardson, who will be taking away some of his carries to show case his talent. The second thing is it is hard to repeat as the Heisman winner.

Whether it is because of the rest of the Heisman contenders or the voters not wanting to diminish the legacy of Archie Griffin, winning a second Heisman is down right impossible. Just ask Tim Tebow or Matt Leinart.

LaMichael James Running Back - Orgeon

James became the feature back in the Ducks' offense after the third game of the 2009 season and gave people a glimpse why he should be a 2010 Heisman contender.

James helped carry the Ducks his back by gaining 1,546 yards on the ground and scoring 14 touchdowns. His ability to make tackles miss is sure to be a main feature for this Heisman hopeful.

The big thing holding James back as a 2010 Heisman winner is where he plays. Remember where the majority of Heisman voters are located. In the Eastern Time zone. They will not see him as much as other potential Heisman candidates.

While they may read up on his statistics in the paper or online, there is something to be said for watching a player dominant in a game every time he touches the ball.

Terrelle Pryor Quarterback - OhioState

His name was added to the list of 2010 Heisman Candidates when he helped lead the Ohio State Buckeyes to a victory over Oregon. On that day, Pryor was a dual threat as he passed for 266 yards and ran for another 72.

His performance reminded many college football fans of Vince Young. It also remind Heisman voters of the mistake they made in 2005 when Reggie Bush received the Heisman trophy instead of Vince Young.

The one thing that can be a major roadblock for Pryor and a Heisman trophy is the high expectations for Ohio State.

There are a good number of college football experts who believe Ohio State is the second best team in the nation behind Alabama. This could be a dangerous thing for Pryor who is still growing accustom to his role as the team leader.

Jake Locker Quarterback - Washington

While there were some football experts who thought he was well on his way to being the number one selection in the 2010 NFL Draft, Locker made the decision to stay in college one more year.

Last year with the Huskies, he passed for over 2,800 yards while tossing 21 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. Though he may not have the same running game as a Tim Tebow or Pryor, Locker can do some damage on the ground.

Just like with James, the fact that he plays on the West coast is going to detract from some of the Heisman voters getting to see him play on a weekly basis.

If Locker can continue to make a name for himself and step up in the big games, he should have a chance to lay claim to the 2010 Heisman trophy.

Ryan Mallet Quarterback - Arkansas

Michigan Wolverine fans have to be wondering what could have been after Mallet's performance during the 2009 college football season. He lead the team to 8 wins tin the SEC conference while he passed for 3,627 yards with 30 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. And this year he will be one of the top contenders for the 2010 Heisman trophy.

This top prospect for the 2010 NFL draft threw five touchdowns three times last season and made SEC defensive coordinators cringe when he went back to throw.

The one thing that can derail Mallet's chance to win the 2010 Heisman trophy is the conference he plays in. The SEC is known for their fast dominant defenses who know how to lay the lumber on opposing quarterbacks.

If he can remain injury free during the 2010 season, Mallet has the chance to be the first Razorback quarterback to win the award.

Resources

College Football on Yahoo

NCAA College Football