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

It’s rare for a freshman to earn much Heisman Trophy notoriety, but that’s exactly what Texas quarterback Colt McCoy did through 10 games last season.

With the enormous task of replacing a legend at Texas, McCoy stood up admirably to the challenge. He held a 9–1 record as a starter and, had he not been baptized by facing the No. 1 Buckeyes on the second week of the season, could easily have been undefeated. He had thrown 27 touchdowns against only four interceptions up to that point. Talk about replacing Vince Young.

Athlon's 2007 Heisman Watch

But 10 weeks doesn’t earn anyone a Heisman Trophy, much less a freshman. It was on that 11th week that McCoy went down with a stinger against Kansas State in a first-quarter goal line quarterback sneak. The Longhorns’ BCS Championship hopes ended on that night while McCoy’s brilliant season came to a momentary halt. He returned two weeks later to his worst performance as a starter, throwing three interceptions in Texas’ first loss to Texas A&M in seven years. He again left that game on a stretcher.

McCoy’s toughness can’t be questioned. The kid never complains and keeps on ticking. But in the end, a Heisman Trophy winner must stay healthy for the duration of the season. That’s why, after rebounding with 308 yards and two touchdowns in the Alamo Bowl, McCoy went to work in the weight room. He didn’t rest on the laurels of his freshman-record-tying 29 touchdown passes, but instead committed himself to being the leader the Longhorns must have from that position.

Texas Team Preview

It’s that kind of attitude that could ultimately win McCoy the Heisman. That and the incredible talent lining up at receiver around him. Limas Sweed, Quan Cosby, Billy Pittman, Jordan Shipley and Jermichael Finley just scratch the surface of talent that is peaking around McCoy and could help him gain the numbers needed for a Heisman campaign. And with Texas always ranking atop the national buzz meter, McCoy will certainly garner the necessary attention.

Why he’ll be holding the hardware: McCoy showed he could handle the pressures that come with playing quarterback at Texas. Now with a year of experience under his belt, the Tuscola, Texas native should take his game to the next level with an abundance of big-play talent around him.

Why he’ll be left out: It’s hard to see where McCoy fits into the Heisman picture as a sophomore. Seniors John David Booty, Colt Brennan and Brian Brohm have paid their dues and enter with the advantage. McCoy not only has to put up big numbers but he must show that he’s a more worthy candidate than those three seniors, which could be a tough sell.

Final analysis: We see Texas making a run to the national title game, meaning McCoy will be among the top Heisman contenders. Still, it’s hard to see voters picking McCoy over the aforementioned quarterbacks without record-setting numbers. He’ll be in the top 10 but will likely have to wait until next year to make the NYC road trip.
 
2006 Stat Line