Travis Tyler
Heisman Trophy finalists announced
The four finalists for the 2020 Heisman Trophy have been announced. Of the four, three play for SEC schools, and three of the four are quarterbacks. Alabama leads the way with two finalists. Here is the list:
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
The junior quarterback for the Crimson Tide followed up a decent 2019 performance in relief of Tua Tagovailoa with a spectacular 2020 season. Jones was a key part of a stellar Alabama offense-- throwing for the second most yards and third most touchdowns in the country while completing 76.5% of his passes and compiling a 202.3 passer rating, which leads the nation. He threw for over 400 yards four times this season, breaking the school record. Jones already earned All-Conference and All-America recognition was a a finalist for several other awards. He began the season as a question mark but has solidified himself as a legitimate college quarterback and would be well-deserving of this prestigious award.
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Did you really think Lawrence wouldn't make it? He has had the hype and publicity of a star athlete since he was in high school and is one of the rare players to live up to it. Despite missing the first Notre Dame matchup, Lawrence has thrown for the 11th most yardage in the nation and has 22 TD passes. Like Jones, he has only throw four interceptions this year and led his team to the College Football Playoff. The numbers might not be as impressive, but the presumed No.1 overall pick in April's NFL Draft is worthy of his finalist spot and should be a popular vote getter. Plus, his team almost always wins when he is in the game, and that is definitely a factor worth considering.
Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
Trask has shown great ability this season, but did struggle with some untimely interceptions. Last night's Cotton Bowl was a performance to forget, but that luckily came after the voting was finished. Trask led the country in passing yards (4,283) and touchdown passes (43) while throwing eight interceptions. All of that is nearly double his 2019 production and has caused his draft stock to climb. He also broke Tua Tagovailoa's SEC record for touchdown passes in the first six games of the season. Although the Gators fell short of the playoff, Trask was much of the reason they were so good this year and is a no-brainer Heisman finalist.
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Smith may be the most dynamic player in college football. After bypassing a chance at the NFL in 2019, he had an even better season in 2020-- accumulating 1,511 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns on 98 catches. He had over 150 receiving yards in six games this season and is also a threat as a kick returner. The All-American is second in Alabama history in receiving yards and the only SEC player to have multiple games with at least four touchdowns in his career. Smith was definitely the best receiver to hit the field this season and may be the first receiver off the board in April. He is looking to become the fourth WR to ever win the Heisman, joining Notre Dame's Tim Brown, Michigan's Desmond Howard, and Nebraska's Johnny Rodgers.
While there are only four finalists, the Heisman Trophy Trust released the rest of the top 10 players as well. Here is the rest of the top 10:
5. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
6. Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
7. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
8. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
9. Ian Book, QB, Notre Dame
10. Kyle Pitts. TE, Florida
The Heisman Trophy will be awarded in a virtual ceremony airing on January 5 at 7 PM ET on ESPN.