3 who could win the Heisman
BRIAN BROHM, Sr., QB, Louisville — The former USA Today high school player of the year has been a star since his freshman season. As a junior, he threw for 3,049 yards and 16 TDs, including a 354-yard performance against then-No. 3 West Virginia. He will be adjusting to a new head coach but has two outstanding receivers in Harry Douglas and Mario Urrutia.
DARREN MCFADDEN, Jr., RB, Arkansas — Carried the Razorbacks' offense last season, rushing for 1,647 yards, winning the Doak Walker award and finishing second to Troy Smith in the Heisman balloting. His versatile role included some time at QB, where he threw three TD passes.
STEVE SLATON, Jr., RB, West Virginia — Rushed for 1,744 yards and 16 TDs during the Mountaineers' 11-2 season. He also had 360 yards and two TDs receiving. But the 5-10, 190-pound junior isn't the only Heisman Trophy hopeful on his own team. QB Pat White is considered a candidate, as well.
3 with an outside chance
COLT BRENNAN, Sr., QB, Hawaii — No one comes close to Brennan when it comes to numbers. As a junior, he threw for 5,549 yards and 58 TDs against just 12 interceptions. He lit up the Aggies in Logan for six TDs and had seven games where he threw for five scores, including a bowl game win over Arizona State. The Warriors' schedule, though, will be scrutinized throughout the year.
DESEAN JACKSON, Jr., WR, Cal — BYU fans remember Jackson from his performance as a freshman in the Las Vegas Bowl, where he scored two TDs, including a 42-yarder in the final seconds of the first half. As a sophomore, he had nine TDs receiving and returned four punts for scores.
IAN JOHNSON, Sr., RB, Boise State — After the storybook finish to the Fiesta Bowl, everyone knew the Broncos' running back. But his 2006 stats were just as impressive as the BCS game upset. Johnson rushed for 1,713 yards and 25 TDs to lead his team in scoring. Boise State's offense, however, will be breaking in a new QB this year.
3 who won't win, but you'll hear plenty about
JIMMY CLAUSEN, QB, Notre Dame — Who knows how much he'll play, but Clausen will be in the news for two reasons — he's a high-profile recruit and a quarterback at Notre Dame.
COLT MCCOY, So., QB, Texas — As a redshirt freshman, the Tuscola, Texas, native led the Longhorns to 10 victories in 2006, throwing for 29 TDs against just seven interceptions. The sophomore is surrounded by plenty of talent — the Longhorns are ranked No. 4 in both the AP and USA Today preseason polls.
TIM TEBOW, So., QB, Florida — We've seen Tebow run — now we'll get to see him pass. As a freshman, he threw just 33 times but was second on the team in rushing yards. Even though teams knew what he was going to do, they still couldn't bring the 6-3, 235-pounder down.