Heisman finalists: Jackson, Watson Peppers, 2 Sooners

Graduated from the University of Florida.

Jackson will be joined in NY by two other quarterbacks who are Heisman finalists – Clemson’s Deshaun Watson and Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield – along with Oklahoma wide receiver Dede Westbrook and Michigan’s versatile defensive ace, Jabrill Peppers.

Here’s the official criteria for winning the award: “The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity”.

When it’s all said and done, we would be shocked if Jackson doesn’t win the 2016 Heisman Trophy. The other two finalists for the award, which was won by Watson past year, are Louisville’s Lamar Jackson and Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield. Mayfield has thrown for 3,669 yards and 38 TDs on the season. His 197.75 quarterback rating is on pace to break the FBS single-season record.

“It’s been a rollercoaster, just all the attention that’s been going my way”, Watson said. “She’s a great mother, a father figure, loved me, helped me out a lot”. Not so badly, because Jackson’s 51 touchdowns accounted for (30 passing, 21 running) are wowing, as is the point that he led the nation’s No. 1 scoring offense.

Watson is the fourth quarterback to repeat as an O’Brien honoree, joining White, Florida’s Danny Wuerffel (1995-96) and Brigham Young’s Ty Detmer (1990-91). The junior safety made a strong impression overall this season but in the end his numbers weren’t almost good enough to earn a legitimate Heisman nod.

OU football stars Dede Westbrook and Baker Mayfield have connected on 15 touchdown passes this season. The final pick at the Pitt goal line with Clemson driving for a potential clinching score sprung Pitt linebacker Saleem Brightwell for a 70-yard return that led to a crucial TD.

The Heisman Trophy is giving to the best player on the best team in the country.

Who do you think should win the 2016 Heisman Trophy?

“It’s a great honor”, Watson said. “Whoever wins it really deserves it”.

Watson guided Clemson to another Atlantic Coast Conference championship and a second straight appearance in the College Football Playoff. “Im an H&M sort of guy, ” he said. “I talked to many of our players yesterday and they’ll be pulling hard for Jabrill to win”.

The other finalists include Louisville Quarterback Lamar Jackson, Clemson Quarterback Deshaun Watson, Oklahoma Quarterback Baker Mayfield and Oklahoma Wide Receiver Dede Westbrook. He has 74 receptions for 1,465 yards and 16 touchdowns this season.

When you compare the two defensive players by numbers, Jackson has a slight edge over Peppers.

ALABAMA: Senior defensive lineman Jonathan Allen won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy given annually to the nation’s best college defensive player. Westbrook left the game in the second quarter after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit.

Peppers though completely defies the stereotype of being bound to a position. Watson acknowledges things have not been as free and easy at returning to the Heisman Trophy stage as it was getting there a year ago, when he finished third in the balloting.

“Represent for the defense”, Allen said. I’m not bothered by [not being a Heisman finalist]. “I won’t lose any sleep over that”. “Whether it’s play safety or corner or nickel or linebacker or cornerback or slot receiver or running back, punt returner, kick returner. he does it all without hesitation, without flinching”.

First, no Palm Beach County high school athlete has ever won the award. In years when no obvious candidates emerge, voters often treat the Heisman as a lifetime achievement award. The deep-threat duo will pair up again as Heisman finalists at Saturday’s ceremony in New York City.