2008 Heisman Watch: Cullen Harper

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. Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper is next on the 2008 list, which will be released in no particular order.

Entering the 2008 season, Cullen Harper was largely an unknown product. Most Clemson fans believed incoming freshman and top recruit Willy Korn would win the team’s starting quarterback spot. Harper’s career statline consisted of a modest 22 career attempts and 170 passing yards. However, Harper was solid throughout spring practices and held off the freshman to win the nod in the season opener against Florida State.

In the huge opening week victory against the Seminoles, Harper won over any doubters that remained and became the first quarterback in school history to beat a top-20 team in his first start. Harper also earned his place in the Clemson-South Carolina rivalry history books by leading his team on a 61-yard drive, which allowed the Tigers to hit a winning field goal as time expired.

Harper’s best yardage performance came in a 41-23 loss to Virginia Tech, as he threw for 372 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, his five touchdown effort against UL Monroe was a school record — which he would later tie in a 70-14 demolishing of Central Michigan. Harper finished the 2007 campaign a shade under 3,000 passing yards (2,991) and 27 touchdowns to only six interceptions.

The Georgia native racked up a plethora of records and honors for his successful first season as the Tiger starting quarterback. He was the first Clemson quarterback to lead the ACC in passing efficiency since 1983, and his 65.1 completion percentage was the second best in school history. His 27 touchdown to six interception ratio was also tops in school history. Harper also begins the 2008 season as an All-ACC Athlon Sports’ First Team selection, after earning second team honors last year.

Why he’ll be holding the hardware: The Tigers fell just short of claiming an ACC Atlantic title in 2007, but this team is setup for another run in 2008. If Harper and his teammates live up to preseason expectations, they should be ranked among the top 10 teams at the end of the year. If the Tigers claim the ACC title and finish the year with one or two losses, this senior will deserve consideration for the Heisman. Also, if he can duplicate his efficient and highly productive numbers from last year, he should be a candidate for ACC Player of the Year honors, further enhancing his resume.

Why he’ll be left out: Will the Tigers finally live up to expectations? Although all the pieces appear to be in place for the Tigers, they have experienced their share of ups and downs. If they slip to a three or four loss season, Harper won’t be a threat for the Heisman. Also, Clemson still boasts the one-two running punch of James Davis and C.J. Spiller, which could make it difficult for Harper to put up the numbers necessary of a Heisman winner.

Final Analysis: The Tigers were just a few plays away from playing for the ACC title. If this team is in the mix once again, look for Harper to be among the top 10 candidates throughout the 2008 season. However, the senior quarterback will have to fight for votes with two teammates and has to perform a little better in some of the big games. Look for the Tigers to play for an ACC title and for Harper to post a strong resume for Heisman votes, but he will likely fall short of hoisting the hardware.

2007 STAT LINE

Other Links:

Athlon Sports' 2008 Heisman Watch
Read the Clemson team preview
Watch the Clemson preview video