Occasionally, our SEC reporters will give their takes on a burning question facing the league. They'll both have strong opinions, but not necessarily the same view. We'll let you decide which reporter is right.
The preseason magazines are all out at your newsstands (Google what those are), so we thought we'd dive into some premature Heisman Trophy talk. We all know the top names from the SEC -- Nick Chubb, Dak Prescott and Leonard Fournette -- but who are some dark horses to keep an eye on? Remember, no one was talking about Prescott much to start the season and he was at the top of the list by the midway point of the season. Chubb got even more attention at the end of the year after running over and around just about everyone after taking over Todd Gurley.
We are also linking Auburn quarterback Jeremy Johnson into the group. We know, Johnson has limited experience with the Tigers, but he's an obvious name when it comes to this category because the word on the Plains is that his arm talent should make Auburn's offense even better (balanced). Ole Miss receiver Laquon Treadwell falls under the same umbrella because even with him recovering from that horrific ankle injury, he'll still enter the season as one of the league's best overall players.
Today's Take Two topic: Who is the top dark horse SEC Heisman candidate in 2015 -- Auburn running back Jovon Robinson or Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs?
Take 1: Edward Aschoff
I know that this has turned into very much a quarterback award, but I'm going to go out on a limb and pick someone who runs the ball and hasn't played a single down of SEC football to this point. Auburn's Jovon Robinson might be inexperienced at this level, but the report out of Auburn this spring was that he was mostly very impressive whenever he touched the football. Catching onto Auburn's hurry-up, no-huddle offense is key, but Robinson should know everything he'll need to come the start of the season.
The former No. 1 junior college transfer was the national JUCO player of the year in 2013, setting JUCO records for season rushing (2,387), touchdowns (34) and points scored (204). At 232 pounds, Robinson is the beefiest back that coach Gus Malzahn has had in his high-powered offenses, but that shouldn't deter any fans. He's incredibly athletic and has more than enough speed to fly past defenders. It hasn't mattered who has carried the ball the most for Malzahn the last two years; his team has led the SEC in rushing. Tre Mason had a record-setting year with 1,816 rushing yards in 2013, while Cameron Artis-Payne led the SEC with 1,608 yards last year. Both averaged more than 5 yards per carry and combined for 36 touchdowns.
First, Robinson has to win the starting job, but if he can grasp the offense like I think he will, he'll be just fine. After that, it's all about his natural ability, athleticism and speed. Imagine a 230-plus-pound back with great side movement and track speed leading the Tigers' lightning-fast offense. It's scary, and with an excellent line in front of him coupled with what should be a more potent passing game, Robinson has a chance to have a special year because teams will have to both beat that line and respect Auburn's passing game. That's going to bring guys away from the line of scrimmage and provide Robinson even more space.
Take 2: Sam Khan
If recent history taught us anything, it’s that you don’t have to have a ton of on-field experience to break out and have a Heisman season (see: Manziel, Johnny in 2012, and Winston, Jameis in 2013). If a redshirt freshman can win the trophy, I think it’s reasonable to assume that a junior who has five starts under his belt can do it too -- someone like Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs.
The Vols are trending up and some have gone so far as to say they could win the SEC East in 2015. If that happens, Dobbs likely will be a big reason for that rise. He’s a dual-threat quarterback, capable of beating teams with his arm and his legs. He showed grit, poise and leadership during his time behind center in the second half of last season.
The 6-foot-3, 212-pound Dobbs helped lead a late comeback win over South Carolina with 301 passing yards, 166 rushing yards and five combined touchdowns in his first start, and he was 4-1 as a starter. A full season starting could see him approach 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards, and if that goes along with a lot of Tennessee wins -- maybe a 10-win regular season? -- it might be enough to get him a seat at Heisman ceremony.
If Dobbs has a big game and can lead the Vols to an early-season victory over Oklahoma on Sept. 12, that would certainly get the Heisman conversation started.