What can be said about the growing legend of Johnny Football that hasn't already been said? In A&M's first season as a part of the powerhouse SEC, Manziel managed to rack up a grand total of 5,116 total yards (passing and rushing), and combine for 47 touchdowns (26 pass, 21 rush)...as a freshman. He is one of only four players in NCAA history to throw 20 touchdowns through the air, and run for another 20 on the ground, the others being Tim Tebow, Colin Kaepernick, and Cam Newton. He also broke the SEC's all-time record for most total yards, shattering the record previously set by the aforementioned Newton. On top of all that he's the first SEC quarterback to pass 3,000 yards and run for another 1,000...as a freshman. And by the way, he'll also enter next year as the reigning winner of this award, the first freshman to ever do so. And did I mention he's still just a freshman? Manziel has to enter next season as the runaway favorite for this award simply because of how magical he looked in his first year at the helm of the Aggies. He'll also be required to return for his junior season too, meaning he could arguably have a chance at taking home three of these things. Archie Griffin, watch your back. There may very well be a new multiple Heisman Trophy winner come next winter.2. Eddie Lacy, senior RB, Alabama
Alabama backs have a history of competing for the Heisman trophy lately. They're big, bruising backs who are surprisingly shifty for their size. Enter Eddie Lacy. Anyone with eyes watching the BCS National Championship saw what a healthy Lacy can do. He somewhat mirrors Trent Richardson in the sense he's got the body of a linebacker, and the speed of an every-down back. He stands at 6'0'', 240, so a little more slender than Richardson, but potentially every bit as dynamic. Also considering that Richardson was the second runner up for this award in 2011, and Mark Ingram, another bruising Tide rusher won it in 2010, it's feasible that Lacy could take home this award with a strong campaign in 2013.
UPDATE (1/11/13): Lacy has now declared for the NFL Draft and thus removes him from this eligibility. New contender added below at number 6.
3. Jadeveon Clowney, junior DE, South Carolina
Every so often there's a player who comes along who has no business belonging in college football. Jadeveon Clowney is one of those players, but not for the reason you'd think. This is a grown man whose talents belong firmly entrenched on the defensive line of an NFL team. Unfortunately for Clowney, he'll just be a junior and a the whole "three years removed from high school in order to be eligible for the NFL" rule is really raining on his parade. Clowney is a beast, and the only defensive player who deserves to be on this list. He broke South Carolina's team record for sacks in a season (13), and tackles for loss (23.5). He single-handedly gives offenses fits just thinking about how they hope to contain him, and his 6'6'' 250 lb. frame is something opposing offensive lines should certainly be terrified of. He could potentially become the second non-offensive player to win this coveted award, and then he'll immediately blitz his way to the big leagues.
4. Braxton Miller, junior QB, Ohio State
In Miller's first year under new head coach Urban Meyer, many people wondered how quickly Meyer could implement his system with the roster around him. The answer: pretty quickly. Within a 12-0 campaign, ultimately standing as the only undefeated team in the FBS, Miller flourished under Meyer and became a force to be reckoned with. His stats weren't exactly eye-popping (2,039 yards passing, 1,271 rushing), but he did account for 28 total touchdowns, which was half of the Ohio State touchdowns on the season. If Miller can build on his successful sophomore year, and continue to grow under the tutelage of Urban Meyer and his system, he could definitely join the ranks of the Heisman Trust.
5. Teddy Bridgewater, junior QB, Louisville
The formerly unknown Bridgewater became very well-known after his immensely successful sophomore year. Bridgewater, scouted as a dual-threat quarterback, has evolved into a wildly efficient pocket passer, completing 69% of his passes and throwing for 3,718 yards to lead Louisville to a surprise trip to the Sugar Bowl. But the fun didn't stop there. Bridgewater tore up the vaunted Florida defense to the tune of 266 yards and 2 touchdowns, and instantly became a name people kept in mind for the 2013 season. If Bridgewater can continue climbing the ranks into the talks of the college football elite, he has a great opportunity to walk away with some hardware next season.
6. Tajh Boyd, senior QB, Clemson
Over the years, Boyd has gradually thrusted himself into the Heisman discussion each season. As a sophomore, he looked solid leading Clemson to an ACC Championship and a visit to the Orange Bowl. After getting blown out in record fashion, Boyd came back with a vengeance in his junior year in 2012, completing 67% of his passes and throwing for 3,896 yards and 36 touchdowns, in addition to his 10 scores and 510 yards on the ground. He has improved steadily throughout his career, and he's developed nicely into a real threat from the pocket with a stout offense around him. If Boyd continues his growth, he definitely becomes a real contender for any and all end of season awards.
Honorable Mentions: Marqise Lee (WR, USC), De'Anthony Thomas (RB, Oregon), Ka'Deem Carey (RB, Arizona), AJ McCarron (QB, Alabama)
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