As we reach the halfway point in the 2018 season, we take a delayed look at those players who hope to see themselves on the stage in New York City at he end of the season.
QB Jonathan Demartini (Tennessee) – 51.8%, 2,766 yards, 27 TD, 7 INT, 104.17 QBR
The signal caller from the number 1, and sole undefeated team in America, Demartini is fresh off a record breaking day. 924 passing yards, 13 TD with 1 INT against Georgia in Week 7 was enough to vault Demartini squarely into the Heisman discussion. His 104.17 QBR is best amongst starting QB. His relatively low completion percentage is worth keeping an eye on, as voters usually like their finalists to be among the elite. Up next is another favorable matchup against a struggling Florida Gators team which should allow for his numbers to improve.
Up Next: FloridaQB James Sherwood (Navy) – 61.8%, 3,112 yards, 24 TD, 12 INT, 100.14 QBR
Sherwood checks off every box on a QB wish list. He is accurate, limits interceptions, and avoids sacks. All while consistently ranking at or near the top in statistical categories each season. The beauty of the Navy offense, and Sherwood in particular, is the ability to spread the ball around. 8 different players have a TD reception on the year, making it difficult for opposing defenses to take away one weapon. Holding his candidacy back is the same as last season, wins. Currently, the Midshipmen sit at 3-4, tied for last in the independent division. After starting 3-0, Navy has struggled, losing their last 4. Two contests against last season’s runner up Notre Dame, as well as a rematch versus Army and Marshall also loom ahead on their schedule. If Sherwood and Navy can win the bulk of these remaining matchups, it will be hard to deny him the Heisman this season, but getting into bowl contention will be necessary.
Up Next: StanfordWR Fred Vogelsang (Arizona) – 40 receptions, 797 yards, 66.7 reception%, 1 drop, 14 TD
Vogelsang has more receiving TD than the rest of his team combined. He also leads the NCAA in TD receptions. While lacking top end speed, he possesses precise route running and adequate hands. He benefits from a dynamic offense with the Wildcats, which features a two headed attack at Quarterback. The ability to sustain his production will be key to him staying in the race as we head into the second half. 12 of his 14 TD have come against teams ranking in the bottom 8 of the NCAA in TD receptions allowed per game.
Up Next: RutgersWR Gene Martin (Kentucky)- 37 rec, 988 yards, 45.1%, 1 drop, 7 TD
Martin leads the NCAA in yardage by a slim margin over Clemson’s Ford. He is the cog that keeps the Wildcat’s offense humming. Whenever they need a key first down, they turn to Martin. He leads Kentucky in targets by a wide margin, and has the ability to stretch the field vertically, as evidenced by his NCAA leading 26.7 ypc. His route running, however, leaves much to be desired, and we wonder how many more receptions he’d have if he found himself in the right place more often. Kentucky has splashed onto the scene this season, with an impressive 6-1 record thus far and Martin is a big part of that success. Whether he sticks on this list is to be determined, as two Prime Time matchups versus the vaunted Volunteers still loom on the horizon. Big numbers in those games will almost certainly punch his ticket for the ceremony in New York to end the season.
Up Next: ArkansasWR Charles Ford (Clemson)- 40 rec, 966 yards, 48.8%, 5 drops, 8 TD
Ford has finally emerged this season as a legitimate playmaker, stepping out from the shadow of fellow wideout Malley. He has all the tools, speed, hands, quickness, route running. He’ll only get better as he matures and develops. The future looks bright for Ford as Clemson continues its march toward another bowl season. They will go as far as Charles’ hands will carry them.
Up Next: GeorgiaWR William Brock (Tennessee)- 47 rec, 912 yards, 49%, 4 drops, 9 TD
WR Brock is the perfect weapon for Tennessee. He has elite speed and acceleration to go with precise route running and sticky hands. He found the end zone 5 times last game against a bewildered Bulldog team, racking up an astonishing 323 yards on 11 receptions. Three of the next five matchups will determine his staying power, as Clemson, Ok State, and Kentucky are on the horizon. Standout games will vault him to the top of the Heisman list.
Up Next: FloridaCB Terry Devries (Kentucky)- 35 tackles, 7 knockdowns, 36.2% catch allowed, 8 INT
Devries currently sits at 8 INT on the season, over halfway to the single season record of 14 last matched by Gerod Holliman back in 2014. He is a true shut down corner who can do anything you ask in coverage. He takes away the opposing team’s best weapon. Upcoming games against the Volunteers will be watched with baited breaths to see if that trend can continue.
Up Next: Arkansas
