It’s the most prestigious individual award in all of sports, and Athlon's Heisman Watch spotlights the top 25 candidates to hoist the trophy. Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell is next on the 2008 list, which will be released in no particular order.

Since Mike Leach took over the head coaching duties in Lubbock, the Red Raiders have shattered 151 team and individual school records while winning the NCAA passing title five times in the last eight seasons. It’s no secret Leach is an offensive mastermind, and quarterbacks enjoy playing in his system.

Considering Graham Harrell is the triggerman for the nation’s top passing offense, it should come as no surprise he will be one of the top 25 Heisman contenders for the 2008 season. In his career, Harrell has thrown for 10,682 yards and 89 touchdowns while completing 69.4 percent of his passes. Additionally, Harrell has produced two bowl victories and 17 overall wins during his tenure as the starting quarterback in Lubbock.

Perhaps the best moments in Harrell’s career were the final two games of the 2007 season. In the late-season upset victory against No. 4 Oklahoma, the Ennis, Texas native threw for 420 yards and two touchdowns. The victory against Oklahoma was Texas Tech’s best against a ranked team and gave Leach a signature win for his resume. In the Gator Bowl match-up against Virginia, Harrell led his team to a 31-28 victory, including 17 points in the final four minutes of the contest.

Entering his senior season, Harrell has an excellent cast of talent around him. Louis Vazquez (an All-Big 12 selection) anchors the offensive line which returns five starters from last season. The receiving corps is stocked, led by Athlon Sports First-Team All-American Michael Crabtree and steady senior Eric Morris. There’s no question about Leach’s scheme or Harrell’s ability, but this senior quarterback needs to stay healthy in order to give his team a shot at contending for the Big 12 South crown.

Why he’ll be holding the hardware: If Heisman voters base their decision upon statistics, Harrell should be one of the top candidates on the board. With a solid set of linemen and an All-American receiver returning, Harrell should be able to equal — if not top last season’s numbers. The senior quarterback has a favorable schedule through the first seven games of 2008 which should allow him to post huge numbers. Additionally, swing games against Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas will provide him an opportunity to play his way into the race.

Why he’ll be left out: For all of the mind-boggling stats Red Raider quarterbacks have produced, none have finished higher than ninth in Heisman balloting. In 2002, Kliff Kingsbury finished ninth, while B.J. Symons finished tenth in 2003. Harrell may be more physically gifted than any of the previous quarterbacks under Leach, but he will have to overcome the “system quarterback” reputation.

Final Analysis: Harrell should continue to post ridiculous passing yardage numbers (he’s also the top rated college fantasy quarterback), as well as threaten the 50 touchdown mark in 2008. The Red Raiders appear to have their best shot under Leach at contending for the Big 12 South title, but Harrell will have to overcome the belief he’s not a product of the system. This senior quarterback should be among the top 10 Heisman contenders this year, but will likely fall short of reaching New York.

2007 STAT LINE

Other Links:

Athlon Sports' 2008 Heisman Watch
Read the Texas Tech team preview
Watch the Texas Tech preview video