2007 Heisman Watch: Michael Hart

After finishing fifth in last year’s Heisman Trophy balloting, Mike Hart enters his senior season as one of the top contenders for the award again. In 2006, Hart rushed for 1,562 yards, on 4.9 yards per carry, and 14 touchdowns during the Wolverines’ 11-2 season.

What Hart lacks in size (5’9”, 196), he makes up for with toughness and consistency. Last year, Michigan’s go-to tailback topped 100 yards in nine games. Always a big-play threat, Hart rushed for over 120 yards in seven games – including a 23-carry, 142-yard, three-touchdown performance in the No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown at Ohio State.

Athlon's 2007 Heisman Watch

Hart was able to bounce back from an injury-riddled sophomore season in which he totaled only 662 yards and four scores on the ground. Prior to that, the Syracuse, N.Y., native was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2004 after running for 1,455 yards, on 5.2 yards per carry, and nine touchdowns.

Michigan Team Preview

During Hart’s final run with the Maize-and-Blue, he will team with senior quarterback Chad Henne and junior wide receiver Mario Manningham to give the Wolverines arguably the top trio of offensive weapons in the nation. With a passing game keeping defenses honest and senior left tackle Jake Long paving the way up front, Hart could produce the best numbers of his already stellar collegiate career. He will have to do just that in order to join past Michigan Heisman Tophy winners Tom Harmon (1940), Desmond Howard (1991) and Charles Woodson (1997).

Why he’ll be holding the hardware: The Wolverines will once again be national title contenders and therefore will keep Hart in the spotlight. It also helps that his name already exists in Heisman balloting circles, meaning he’ll start this season near the top of everyone’s list.

Why he’ll be left out: Hart is competing against a host of quality running backs for this award but also a few teammates. Not one, but two other Wolverines could be receiving Heisman votes as well. If Michigan is contending, he’ll have to prove that he deserves the award over Henne and Manningham, which means he must stay healthy and post big numbers every game in order to separate himself from the field.

Final analysis: As a high-profile running back at a traditional powerhouse, Hart has a legitimate shot to win the Heisman Trophy. Look for Hart to make a trip to New York but walk away empty handed.

2006 Stat Line