Heisman Trophy: Final Staff Predictions Point Towards Derrick Henry

Tonight we finally learn who will learn who will raise the Heisman Trophy for the 2015 college football season. While we’ve seen a string of quarterbacks carry home the award in recent years, the presence of two running backs on the stage may just change that trend.

Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey, Alabama’s Derrick Henry, and Clemson’s Deshaun Watson are the candidates this year, and each have had incredible seasons. Click on their names to get our takes on why each one of them should win the Heisman.

Here are the NFL Mocks Staff’s final predictions for the Heisman Trophy:

Nick Barlotta: Has to be Derrick Henry. Deshaun Watson isn’t in discussion on my opinion. Should have been either the Navy quarterback Keenan Robinson, Leonard Fournette or Dalvin Cook. All of whom had better season.

Eric Robinson: Deshaun Watson. McCaffrey deserves it but I think with him being on the West Coast and his name getting attention late in the season, it may hurt him.

Erik Lambert: Too hard to pick against Henry. Record-setting season in the power conference of college football.

George Stockburger: I wouldn’t say I would be surprised if Derrick Henry didn’t win, but I think he’s the consensus pick among the analysts. I won’t say there’s going to be some extra SEC bias in this voting, but you gotta assume it’s there.

David Holmes: Deshaun Watson

Rodney Stokes: I’m thinking Henry but I’ll go McCaffrey!

Shawn Spencer: Of the three finalists, McCaffrey would get my vote, but I think it goes to Henry.

Obviously some mix in there, but our consensus pick is Alabama running back Derrick Henry. There’s no reason he shouldn’t win this award either. It’s his second year on the ballot and like I said earlier, he’s the favorite this year.

Here’s the young running back’s resume for the 2015 season:

• 339 rushing attempts for 1986 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry with 23 touchdowns. That is the new single season record for the SEC.
• Has scored at least one touchdown in 18 consecutive games
• Has ran for 200+ yards four times this season
• He is 6th all time on the Alabama rushing yards list

Very impressive year for the Alabama running back, even when he was sharing carries with Kenyan Drake. At the same time, Christian McCaffrey broke NCAA records and Deshaun Watson has led Clemson towards an undefeated season. In my opinion, the fact that Christian McCaffrey plays on the west coast while most fans are sleeping may hinder his national support.

Check back with NFL Mocks as the Heisman Trophy ceremony continues on ESPN from New York City.