Article Data Imported from Previous NDL SiteHeisman Watch
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As we are about to reach the mid-way points I thought I would do a quick run down of the NDL's Heisman leaders. Right now it still looks like its a running backs league...Right now we have a back that is on pace to carrie the ball a NDL record 360 times! I know..but I got a more impressive stat then that for my follow NDL ballers, We also have a back that has 952 yards rushing in just 4 games!! If these 2 work horses can hold up they are sure to break most if not all NDL records. With that said here is my Top 5 in no certain order.
1.
Duane Bennett--RB
The Golden Gophers are off to a 4-0 start for Coach Champ this NDL season, and the Bennett is the reason why. The running back is only getting about 15 carries per game, but what he is doing is making the most of his touches.. Bennett has 779 yards and 11 touchdowns on just 59 carries...Right now Minnesota and Coach Champ have proved they can run against the likes of Temple, UTEP, Kentucky and N'Western but lets see how Bennett does against 4-0 Wisconsin in week 6. With 5 or 6 more touches per game Bennett could easily emerge from the pack of running backs and be a surprise contender for the hardware late in the season.
2.
John Clay--RB
What kind of Heisman article would it be without the mention of the NDL's leading rusher? The Badgers are off to a 4-0 start and John Clay is on pace to smash the previous NDL rushing mark set by Lynell Hamilton of San Diego State with the mark of 2,599 yards. Clay is 2nd in the league with 225 yards after contact, this shows me that not many times will John go down on the first hit. Wisconsin and Coach Bigred are #1 in the league in rushing at just over 290 yards per game...that is 8 more yards per game then 2nd place Minnesota. Clay also averages 3 scores per contest and if that stat stays true to suite he will end up with 36 touchdows at the end of the season. John has done his damage against some pretty solid compatetion...but up next is 4-0 Minnesota..with the winner of that game, just might be the new front-runner of the pack.
3.
Tyler Bass--QB
It's tough to put Bass on my earlier edition of Heisman watch...especially with the Tigers only being 2-3 after 5 games, but honestly I'm tired of all the running back talk in the NDL. Bass right now is looking like a dark-horse Quarterback who could sneak into the late season talk with a few more victories for Coach DC. Tyler has thrown for 1,700 yards and 19 touchdowns in just 5 games..the impressive stat to me is that he has hit 7 different wideouts for scores on the season. His 13 interceptions is a eye-sore and so is his 155.7 quarterback rating (which is not in the top 10 of the NDL) but as much as Memphis is flinging the pig-skin around this season the kid will either have 50 touchdown passes or 40 interceptions. At 341 passing yards per game and the Tigers tough part of their schedule in the rear-view mirror, can Tyler continue a super season and stay in contention for the award.
4.
Rodney Stewart--RB
Coach 6ft. has the Buffalo's in a unchartered territory early in the NDL season...Whats that? First place in the Big 12 North! Colorado is off to a 5-0 start behind the legs of our next Heisman canidate. Rodney Stewart has rushed for 849 yards on 95 carries and 8 touchdowns this season..Not bad, but add in the fact he also leads the Buffs in receptions and we are talking a Marshall Faulk like season. Stewart has also ran for 200 yards plus after contact, with a long of 61. If the Buffs can survive the North with 3 or less loses Stewart could be the favorite to bring the Heisman back to Boulder. With the likes of Kansas, KSU, Nebraska and Oklahoma upcoming for the buffs this might just be too much for 6ft. and Stewart to pull off the Heisman upset....But half way thru the season Colorado might be the surprise of the NDL and Stewart is the reason.
5.
Daniel Thomas--RB
Thomas is becoming a true player in the Heisman race...right now Coach Paxsy has the Wildcats off to a 3-1 mark and second place in the north. If Daniel can stay heathly and continue to carry the ball 30 times per game I don't see how he can't be a favorite for the award. His 120 carries is on pace to break the NDL mark of ECU's Chris Johnson by 1 carry with 360..He also leads the NDL right now in YAC yards with 266, He is 3rd with 842 yards rushing, but is not in the top 10 in touchdowns, with only 7. Thomas has faced some pretty solid defensive teams (Ole Miss, WVU) but has a true test in the next couple of weeks in Houston and Nebraska...if Thomas can have a solid day against these top 20 schools he might be set to run away with the Heisman...as the rest of the schedule looks very managable to keep putting up big yards. The key for Thomas is what Coach Paxsy decides to do..does he keep his back running at this non-human pace (30 carries per game) all season or does he give him rest when games are in control?
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