College football season 2019 predictions: SEC, playoff and Heisman picks
Projected 2019 Heisman Trophy Winner
Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback, Clemson Tigers
It may be a bit cliche, but there is not reason to bet against Trevor Lawrence this college football season to win the Heisman Trophy. Throwing for 30 touchdowns and only four interceptions in not even a full season along with 3,280 yards is insane. And he did all of that as a freshman, so the hype surrounding his sophomore year is all legitimate.
At 6’6″ 215 pounds, Lawrence may have some weaknesses. But it’s hard to see him taking a step back in Dabo Swinney’s offense. Nobody does that, and Swinney deserves to have a Heisman Trophy quarterback. He should have had one in DeShaun Watson. Lawrence being a season-long favorite and having a chance to navigate an ACC schedule will both work in his favor.
Other candidates
Jalen Hurts, Quarterback, Oklahoma Sooners
Lincoln Riley has produced back to back Heisman Trophy winners. He knows how to utilize mobile quarterbacks who don’t have big arms but are accurate and great at throwing. If Jalen Hurts becomes better than a first-read and run quarterback, which Riley is good at turning players into, he should thrive and make a surprise push for the Heisman this year.
Jonathan Taylor, Running Back, Wisconsin Badgers
A 2,100 yard rusher should always be in the conversation, and that’s what Jonathan Taylor was last year. As a result, he’ll be in the talk again this year, figuring to build off what he did in the very east Big Ten West. At 5’11” 219 pounds, the junior 29 career touchdowns and over 4,100 career yards is insane enough. His potential this year is even more insane.
Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback, Alabama Crimson Tide
Tua Tagovailoa was exposed at the end of last year as a guy who struggles under pressure. This college football season, he will have to work on taking that next step, and it could knock him down a couple of pegs. But his development will make him better in the long run and be enough to keep the 6’1″ 218-pound junior in the running this year.
Sam Ehlinger, Quarterback, Texas Longhorns
Very few people elevated the play of their team more than Sam Ehlinger last year. Now, as a 6’3″ 230-pound junior, his dual-threat abilities in Tom Herman’s spread offense make him the perfect candidate to be in the Heisman running again. However, it will depend on whether or not the Texas Longhorns can finally live up to their high expectations this year.