Early not-so dark, dark horse Heisman Candidates

Coming into the year, everyone (including me) was ready to annoint either Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy, or Sam Bradford as the eventual Heisman winner.  A few weeks into the season and Tebow and McCoy are still the front runners, but I’m not so certain about things now.  I have two guys that I’m sure you heard of, but probably haven’t thought of in this light.  After Saturday’s games, perhaps you should be thinking about them as it pertains to the Heisman race.

Jordan Shipley of Texas and Josh Nesbitt of Georgia Tech

Jordan Shipley awaiting a kick

Jordan Shipley is more than just Colt McCoy’s security blanket.  He’s Colt McCoy’s favorite blanket that he won’t leave home without.  Shipley does not put up huge numbers every game, but he is always there for McCoy in the passing game and often provides the spark Texas needs with his special teams play.  This past Saturday’s game against Colorado is a fine example.  Texas needs a score at the end of the first half, who does McCoy find in the endzone?  Shipley.  Later in the 4th Quarter Shipley returns a punt return for a TD to ice the game for Texas.  That might be just one game, but if Shipley continues that type of production for the rest of year… watch out.

Nesbitt on the run

I know, I know, Josh Nesbitt?  You’re probably thinking I’m just a blind GT fan.  Nesbitt does not throw for a lot of yards, have a high completion percentage, or even a pretty throw.  Let’s face it though, he gets the job done when it absolutely has to be done.  Last night I watched Nesbitt recover a lost fumble by ripping it from the arms of a Florida State defender.  Earlier in the year I watched him drive the field entirely by himself in the 4th quarter against Clemson to win the game.  This is a common trend.  When Tech has the lead and needs to move the ball while keeping possession and burning the clock, who does Paul Johnson turn to?  You might think ACC Player of the Year Jonathan Dwyer would be your go to, but rather it is Josh Nesbitt.  Georgia Tech fans already know what a warrior this guy is.  I think the rest of the country needs to take notice as well.

Neither of these candidates are going to win the Heisman.  I don’t think either of them will even make the top 10.  Maybe Shipley, he is starting to get some ink (Rece Davis’s final thoughts) after yesterday’s performance.  Josh Nesbitt is getting a little too, albeit from the decidedly biased Official Sports Report.

ESPN still has Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy in their top two and deservedly so.  They are both quarterbacks for top three undefeated teams.  If you look at the rest of their top ten, you’ll find Jimmy Clausen sneaking in at #3, but the QB for Notre Dame is not exactly off the radar.  Tony Pike the QB for Cincinnati is the only real national unknown in their top 5 and even then Cincinnati is getting more press every day. Shipley and Nesbitt are noticeably absent.  Tim Tebow might wind up being the greatest college football player ever, but keep this in mind; most analysts, critics, etc thought Florida would beat LSU with or without Tebow.  Just something to think about.