Fitz: 2012 Heisman candidate?

Submitted by sheepdog on

Admittedly, I don’t usually care for Michael Rothstein’s writing, but he throws out the opportunity that Fitz could be a Heisman candidate as early as next year, which I like.  Fitz ran for 1000+ yards in basically 10 games so far.  DNP against ND and only two carries against MSU.  He is obviously the feature back and it looks like he could consistently see 20-25 carries per game next year.  If he averages, say 22.5 carries per game at this year’s YPC (5.8), he would end up with 1696 yards (13 games).

I have never thought of Fitz being THAT good, but he was seriously impressive from Purdue through the end of season.  Here are some recent Heisman contender/winner RB stats:

2011 T Richardson: 1583 yards/20 TD/6.0 YPC

2011 M Ball: 1759 yards/32 TD/ 6.4 YPC

2010 L James: 1731 yards/21 TD/5.9 YPC

2009 M Ingram: 1658 yards/17 TD/6.1 YPC

2009 T Gerhart: 1871 yards/27 TD/5.5 YDC

My first thought was that it might be more realistic for Fitz’s senior year when Denard isn’t there to take away carries and yards.  But, DRob may be part of the reason Fitz is cashing in.  Regardless, we currently have a potential GREAT back at Michigan.

MGoCommunity thoughts?

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Look Up_See Blue

December 15th, 2011 at 4:43 PM ^

I don't see that happening until his senior year.  It could happen next year but they would have to be in the Championship hunt for him to have a chance.  Unless he just goes off in certain games like RGIII did this year.  Next year will be very interesting how Borges balances Denard/Fitz based on how successful the offense was this year.

El Fuego

December 15th, 2011 at 7:32 PM ^

He still has Denard Robinson in the backfield with him.  It's the Wilson-Ball effect, two heisman caliber players in the same backfield means no heisman winner.

We all know he has the talent to do it, but it's unlikely.

TXmaizeNblue

December 15th, 2011 at 9:38 PM ^

Rothstein is delusional. I like Fitz as much as anyone, even predicted him as the starter before fall camp - but he has not demonstrated Heisman worthy talk yet. There are at least 2 backs in the Big Ten that are better than him, let alone the rest of college football. Besides, next year is Denard's year and if Brady gets what he's looking for Fitz will not be starting in 1213 (maybe not even next year).

GoBlueInIowa

December 15th, 2011 at 9:59 PM ^

Would need 150+ yards and 2-3 TDs against both Bama and ND plus a 200+ game against another non-conference to start getting enough buzz - in addition Denard would need to have an efficient but not outstanding season - 200 passing a game, 50 rushing a game. But more than likely if fitz is having that good of a season most likely Denard will also be lighting it up and they would split the votes and neither gets it

john22

December 16th, 2011 at 2:19 AM ^

would be hard for fitz to win it. 1,We would half to go undefeated 2,he would half to outpeform SHOELACE and 3,He would half to have a MONSTER season. I would like to see him or SHOELACE win it.GO BLUE!!!

98 21 2 GO BLUE

January 6th, 2012 at 10:34 AM ^

Yes, Shoelace and Touisannt are going to slice through the 2012 season. I have no doubts.  I also urge you all to remember that the Heisman Trophy won’t be the goal.  It’s not what it’s about at Michigan.  This team will always play for the goals laid out by Bo, especially under Brady Hoke.  BEAT OHIO STATE, win the B1G, and win a National Championship.  I will also tell you however that Michigan certainly has a great history with the award with 3 mega talents winning it, playing within the confines of THE TEAM, THE TEAM, THE TEAM.  When Michigan teams took the field in 1940, 1991, and 1997, they certainly weren’t thinking about the Heisman to start.  Amazingly though, Michigan has won around 72% of its’ games All-Time.  With a Heisman candidate in the locker room? It jumps to 79%.  Outside of #98, #21, and #2, 21 total players have placed in the Top Ten Voting for the award, playing within the confines of the team.  I love the comment about the first double Heisman, because the two are definitely going to feed off eachothers’ success, but the reality is that like Russell Wilson and Montee Ball, Gordon Bell and Rob Lytle (the last Michigan 1,000 yard duo) they may eliminate eachother while leading Michigan back to the BCS.  Look for Shoelace to be in New York with another Spring and Fall to improve.  Check out 98-21-2, the Heisman isn’t the goal, but it’s quite a story for the Wolverines. GO BLUE!