It’s the most prestigious individual award in all of sports, and this year, there’s no shortage of candidates. Michigan quarterback Chad Henne is next up in Athlon's 2007 Heisman Watch, which will be released in no particular order.

It’s been quite a ride, ain’t it?

Chad Henne’s four-year stint as Michigan’s quarterback draws to a conclusion this winter after one final campaign. He’s had an interesting tenure to say the least, and one more shot at the elusive Heisman Trophy only seems fitting after starting all 37 Michigan games since arriving on campus.

Henne stormed onto the scene in 2004, leading Michigan to an automatic Rose Bowl bid and being named to the Freshman All-America team after throwing for over 2,700 yards and 25 touchdowns. He’s continued the contistent play throughout his career, resulting in a 70-28 touchdown-to-interception mark and nearly 7,800 passing yards. More importantly, he’s kept Michigan relevant on the national scene and in the Big Ten hunt during each of the last three seasons.

Athlon's 2007 Heisman Watch

But, he’s also the same quarterback that has ended each of his three seasons with an 0–2 record — three losses to Ohio State and three in bowl games. He’s also the same quarterback that’s 1–2 against Notre Dame. And that’s what fans remember.

After his breakout freshman campaign, Henne finds himself on a Heisman Trophy watch list for the third time in as many seasons but that seems to be the only time his name really sticks there. Maybe this time around will be different.

Michigan Team Preview

Once again, Henne finds himself surrounded by elite talent on the line, in the backfield and on the outside. Receiver Mario Manningham is Henne’s go-to-guy and that connection must work smoothly all season for Henne to post the numbers necessary for a legit Heisman campaign.

Henne has been very good during his time in Ann Arbor, but not great and not flashy — two qualities that distinguish a Heisman-caliber player from the rest of the pack. He seemingly has those abilities but he must show them this year because another 2,500-yard season with 22 touchdowns isn’t going to cut it in the Heisman race. Look for the senior to approach the 3,000 mark this season and take a little more responsibility on offense.

Why he’ll be holding the hardware: He’s hungry. He’s seen what Michigan alum Tom Brady has accomplished in the NFL and he’s been watching tapes of Brady during the offseason. Henne will become the Wolverines’ unquestioned leader this year and lead them to the doorstep of another BCS bowl berth.

Why he’ll be left out: Michigan senior running back Mike Hart could be Henne’s biggest obstacle for the award. Another 1,500-yard season for Hart and he’ll receive the credit for any Wolverine success. That and Henne just hasn’t put up the numbers to compete with other quarterbacks like John David Booty, Colt Brennan or Brian Brohm.

Final analysis: It’s hard to believe it after the show his freshman season but Henne will likely end his Michigan career without a trip to New York City. There’s too much competition for big numbers on his own team to compete with the gaudy stats put up by the elite running backs and quarterbacks around the nation.
 
2006 Stat Line