Considering that he was 6th in Heisman votes as a true sophomore first-year starter, I'd say that's a bit low.
although they say "expectations" are taken into account, and I guess they don't think he'll have the productivity he had last year with the scheme change.
They also say past production trumps expectations. I'm having a hard time thinking of even one returning player who was more productive last year.
Keep in mind, though, that Heisman votes really only go to guys from a few positions. Rivals is probably being more inclusive of linemen, DBs, LBs, etc. No shame in being #20.
August 6th, 2011 at 11:16 AM ^
I know of a DB that won a Heisman.
Edit: Whoops, I should have kept reading.
... and CB. Well at least it did one year.
August 6th, 2011 at 11:00 AM ^
Well at least it did one yearOne glorious year.
August 6th, 2011 at 12:01 PM ^
He also played some offense and I remember there being some talk about that being what put him over the edge.
August 6th, 2011 at 12:33 PM ^
That and some of his stupidly ridiculous special teams highlight reel material.
Hasn't it been pretty well established that the Heisman is a sham? I'm all for looking outside of that award and its ridiculous politics to formulate lists of who the best players are.
#20 does seem about fair to me. He has a lot of time left to do it, but Denard needs to perform better against strong opponents.
Seeing as how Reggie Bush gives back his award, officials of the Heisman say that good character and no questions with the NCAA will be emphasized for all candidates from then on, and then award the Heisman to Cameron Newton despite allegations regarding being dealt to Auburn. The Heisman award is more or less a crock, yet is still the greatest individual award that can be obtained in college.
#1 in our hearts at least
August 6th, 2011 at 11:01 AM ^
#2 on the field as he blew by any and all Buckeyes et al.
Giddafuggouddahere rivals.
He's ahead of:
92 Taylor Martinez NEB
78 Ryan Lindley SDSU
73 Russel Wilson WIS
52 Dan Persa NU
48 Kirt Cousins (this is going on the billboard at MSU for sure)
26 L Jones OU (No1 team in the land?)
I'll take it.
M Martin at 47
D Molk at 75
August 6th, 2011 at 11:01 AM ^
That's a solid Michigan presence.
By their methodolgy it's fair. They say they ranked according to past production and expecation. In terms of past production I'd say there are 19 multiyear starters out there that over the course of their careers have produced more than Denard did in one year and have high expectations for this year. Denard should dominate this list later in his career of course.
They could have at least made him #16...
He is probably in the top 5 if Rich Rod is still around. 20 isn't bad, higher than a 2010 Ryan Mallett (22) and way, way higher than Pryor ever landed.
It is nice to see 3 Wolverines this year receiving some recognition. Scanning the 2009 and 2010 lists yielded exactly zero, while Purdue had at least 3-4 and Ohio like a gazillion.
August 6th, 2011 at 10:00 AM ^
I think he should be slightly higher.
I also hope that whatever they are using for that slideshow is soon used universally because it's the fastest loading slideshow I've ever seen by miles.
August 6th, 2011 at 10:09 AM ^
I could make a case for him being #1 if RichRod was still around. That said, I think he'll be just fine. I think we will see a lot more of the spread than we think.
August 6th, 2011 at 11:44 AM ^
August 6th, 2011 at 12:24 PM ^
It doesn't matter how others see Denard.
Most other teams will only see the back of his heels and his dreads bobbing out the back of his helmet as he scoots for big yards. Or will watch dejectedly as our receivers grab one of his deep balls for a score.
What also impresses me is the leadership and commitment to excellence we're seeing from him this offseason. He's a great guy.
August 6th, 2011 at 12:46 PM ^
I hope people aren't thinking his production is going to completely fall off compared to what he did last year. Yes, he won't have the rushing production he did last year, but if he's able to hit 1,000 yards and improve himself as a passer, he's probably going to get an invite to New York.
August 6th, 2011 at 12:52 PM ^
The thing to look for, IMO, is where he is in relation to other quarterbacks. If he's in at number three(ish), that seems fair. He's ahead of Jones but behind Moore and Luck, so that seems about right to me. Once he's rated top five, it probably isn't worth arguing for a preseason list.
Well considering it doesn't only have WR, QB, and RB like the heisman, it is a huge accomplishment to be #20.