If Cal wide receiver DeSean Jackson wins the Heisman Trophy, you can bet his dad will nod.
According to a recent ESPN the Magazine feature, whenever Jackson’s father, Bill, parted company with his son, he would tell him, “Think Heisman, DeSean.”
Jackson, a junior, is thinking about The Pose, as are these candidates below. Who will win? Here’s Teddy Greenstein’s predicted finish:
Colt Brennan, sr., QB, Hawaii
Why he will: Potential top pick in the NFL draft fired an NCAA-record 58 TD passes last season. Coach June Jones will do everything he can to get Brennan to New York.
Why he won’t: He’s a “system” QB who plays most of his games when voters are snoozing.
Darren McFadden, jr., RB, Arkansas
Why he will: Like Reggie Bush, a human highlight reel. So versatile, he completed 7 of 9 passes for 63 yards and three touchdowns in the Hogs’ “Wildcat” package last season.
Why he won’t: Last year’s Heisman Trophy runner-up has been somewhat injury-prone.
John David Booty, sr., QB, USC
Why he will: Excellent signal-caller for nation’s top-ranked team. Being an extremely likable guy doesn’t hurt.
Why he won’t: His best two receivers from last year, Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith, are in the NFL.
Brian Brohm, sr., QB, Louisville
Why he will: Orange Bowl MVP last season, Big East Offensive Player of the Year in 2005. Terrific receiving corps.
Why he won’t: Has to adjust to new coach Steve Kragthorpe. But brother Jeff remains on staff as quarterbacks coach.
Mike Hart, sr., RB, Michigan
Why he will: A fantastic runner with major charisma. Hard not to pull for a little guy (listed at 5 feet 9 inches).
Why he won’t: Michigan football and gaudy statistics don’t exactly go hand in hand.
Steve Slaton, jr., RB, West Virginia
Why he will: Game-breaker can light up the scoreboard.
Why he won’t: Shares backfield with another candidate, QB Patrick White.
Chad Henne, sr., QB, Michigan
Why he will: Has a monster arm, two great receivers (Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington) and plays in the spotlight.
Why he won’t: A run-first offense. Five Big Ten quarterbacks attempted more passes than Henne did last season.
DeSean Jackson, jr., WR, Cal
Why he will: Excellent receiver who returns punts like Devin Hester (five TDs in just 26 returns).
Why he won’t: Weighs just 172 pounds. Might get squashed if he doesn’t call for some fair catches.
