Clemson’s Deshaun Watson selected as Heisman Trophy finalist

In fact, the past five Heisman Trophy winners in Cam Newton (2010), Robert Griffin III (2011), Johnny Manziel (2012), Jameis Winston (2013), and Marcus Mariota (2014) have all been quarterbacks, and only one running back (Mark Ingram in 2009) has won the award since 2000.

After putting together the best statistical seasons in Alabama history for a running back, Derrick Henry was named one of three finalists for the Heisman trophy on Monday night. His season boasted a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a 96-yard kickoff return to arrange another touchdown.

McCaffrey finished the season with 1,847 yards rushing (second most in the FBS), 1,109 yards returning, 540 yards receiving and 14 total touchdowns (eight rushing, four receiving and two passing).

Over the past few weeks, though, Clemson has utilized Watson’s legs more with four 100-yard rushing efforts in the last five games.

The top point-getter is presented the Heisman Trophy at 7 p.m. Saturday in a ceremony in NY televised on ESPN. He’s the catalyst quarterback of the nation’s only unbeaten (13-0) team, which will earn the No. 1 seed for the upcoming playoffs. After setting the national high school record for career rushing yards, Henry split carries with T.J. Granted, when talking about these three young men and their performances this season, it’s hard to go wrong with choosing any of them for the award.

Tide coach Nick Saban said Henry arrived on campus with the same work ethic thats carried him to the brink of a Heisman. “Yes, yes, he does”, USC coach Clay Helton said after McCaffrey blistered the Trojans for 461 all-purpose yards in the Pac-12 championship game. But Watson doesn’t deserve to be a Heisman finalist simply because of that; Watson deserves to be a Heisman finalist because he’s one of the most outstanding players in college football.

The Heisman resumes of Henry, Watson and McCaffrey all have strengths and weaknesses. Among those watching was Christian McCaffrey, and when his name was announced, his teammates cheered.

Watson, probably the top dual-threat quarterback in the country, led the top-ranked and undefeated Tigers to a 45-37 win over North Carolina in the ACC championship game Saturday, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for 131 yards and two scores.

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.

He became the first Southeastern Conference player to run for at least 200 yards in three straight games. At the time, Tigers running back Leonard Fournette was the clear Heisman front-runner, but he rushed for only 31 yards against Alabama’s stiff run defense.

“I’m not here to tell you that I know who the best Heisman candidate is”.

“My main focus is on finishing and helping this team win”, Henry said.