Is Dak a Legit Heisman Candidate?
Oct 12, 2013; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) carries the ball against the Bowling Green Falcons at Davis Wade Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Falcons 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
By now you’ve heard the grumblings. There was a big article about how Jesse Palmer said Dak Prescott could be a better talent than Tim Tebow and was a dark-horse for the Heisman in 2014. A twitter account devoted to #Dak4Heisman has started up and in less than 24 hours had nearly 600 followers. There was a lengthy BSR debate on the topic. Is this legit – does he have a chance? Should we spend time and energy, resources even, to promote Prescott with a Heisman campaign?
Yes.
One member of the media has already said he believes Dak could have more talent than a quarterback who is considered one of the greatest college football players ever. And that member of the media graduated from the same school as said QB so there’s no reason to degrade him (as some like to do). But what’s more, Dak Prescott could put up the numbers, and have the type of success – on a successful team – that gets you mentioned in the Heisman race.
“Heisman candidacy” is really nothing more than people on TV, radio, blogs, etc. saying they think you might be able to win the award. At various points of the season as many as 15-20 players might be considered. Think back to who was mentioned in 2013…
- A.J. McCarron
- Johnny Manziel
- Jameis Winston
- Tre Mason
- Jordan Lynch
- Andre Williams
- Derek Carr
- Braxton Miller
- Bryce Petty
- Marcus Mariotta
- Teddy Bridgewater
- Ka’Deem Corey
- Tajh Boyd
- Jadeveon Clowney
Those are just off the top of my head. I’m sure there are 3-5 more we could come up with. The point is all of these guys were in and out of the race at some point or another. Tre Mason’s name wasn’t even mentioned until after the Alabama game, and his performance in the SEC Championship vaulted him to 6th in the voting.
Sure, Dak has a chance to be in the discussion. He probably won’t be at the start of the year, but if MSU is able to rack up some wins and his numbers stand out he’ll be right there on Joe Tessitore’s Heismanology. And if Prescott is able to lead State to an upset or two he’ll surely put his name high on the list late in the year.
I’m not going to get myself wrapped up in #Dak4Heisman. In fact, I think it’s an overly talked about award anyway. But it would be huge if State could have a player in contention for it – just talked about in the same breath by national pundits. To be invited to New York would be amazing, and ultimately winning it would be unbelievable. Who knows what could happen, but there are many signs that point to a big season for Mississippi State and Dak Prescott in 2014. Hopefully many of them will come true.