Alabama’s Henry, Stanford’s McCaffrey, Clemson’s Watson named Heisman Trophy

Alabama running back Derrick Henry, Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey, and Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson are the three players who will attend the Heisman ceremony on Saturday night, as Florida State running back Dalvin Cook, LSU running back Leonard Fournette, Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, and Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds were all snubbed.

“Are you the Heisman trophy victor?” However, running the football isn’t McCaffrey’s only contribution to the team.

McCaffrey gained 3,496 yards in a bewildering array of ways, the most yards anybody has ever trampled on American fields in a college season, even after decades upon decades of college players straining to gain yardage.

Watson led Clemson to an undefeated regular season and a No. 1 ranking. Additionally he has 887 yards rushing in 163 attempts and has 11 rushing touchdowns.

Joining Watson will be running backs Derrick Henry of Alabama and Christian McCaffrey of Stanford.

He, after all, led the nation in rushing in the year of the running back, at 158.27 yards per game, even if a wee 31 came in the biggest game, at Alabama. Only three players are selected every year and this year, people are putting special emphasis that a running back should win the award. The junior is second in the country in passing efficiency and has thrown for 35 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. QB Deshaun Watson Watson isn’t just the quarterback of the top-ranked Tigers, college football’s last remaining unbeaten team.

Smart will have about one week for more recruiting and his search for assistants before No. 2 Alabama begins practice for the playoff semifinal against Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

McCaffrey, Stanford’s fourth Heisman finalist in the last seven years, ran for 1,847 yards on 319 carries with eight touchdowns. The Stanford running back toppling Barry Sanders’ FBS record of all-purpose yards was nothing short of fantastic. McCaffrey will look to cap off a sensational sophomore season when the No. 6 Cardinal (11-2) take on No. 5 Iowa (12-1) in the Rose Bowl on New Years’ Day. All three play on conference-winning teams, two of which were selected for the College Football Playoff, and all three have been consistent playmakers throughout the season.

Now Deshaun Watson has one for the road.

Henry and Watson were viewed as second-tier candidates throughout the offseason. Combine that with his record-breaking numbers, and Henry’s resume is the most complete, which figures to make him the slight favorite to come away with the hardware. All three of these guys could hear their name called and no one should be surprised.

If two tracking polls are any indication, the Heisman Trophy race is extremely close.