2008 Heisman Watch: Colt McCoy

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 quarterback Colt McCoy is next on the 2008 list, which will be released in no particular order.

Following in the footsteps of a national championship winning quarterback is never easy. And while he’ll never be able to live up to Vince Young’s standards, Colt McCoy has continued to improve as Texas’ quarterback and has been a worthy successor to one of the Longhorns’ best players.

In his freshman year, McCoy passed for 2,570 yards and 29 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. He completed 68.2 percent of his passes and added 170 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. One of his biggest performances in 2006 came in a 63-31 dismantling of Baylor. McCoy threw for 275 yards and six touchdowns and followed that up with nine scores in the next three games.

Last year, McCoy threw for 22 touchdowns and 3,303 yards in 13 contests. Although his yardage increased from his freshman year, his interceptions jumped to 18 and his completion percentage went down three points. He also showed solid mobility on the ground, totaling 492 yards and four touchdowns.

Even though McCoy has been a starter for two seasons, it’s easy to forget he is still developing at this position and will have his share of ups and downs. In the 2007 match-up against Oklahoma, McCoy threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns — but the Longhorns fell just short of the victory. In a November showdown against Texas Tech, he threw for 268 yards and four touchdowns, but struggled in the following contest against rival Texas A&M.

Why he’ll be holding the hardware: The Longhorns begin this season under the radar. Oklahoma and Missouri are the favorites in the Big 12, but don’t count out Mack Brown from pushing his team into contention. If the Longhorns can upset both teams in back-to-back weeks in October, they should be among the top 10 teams. McCoy has proven he is a capable player and has the leadership skills to push his team into Big 12 title contention.

Why he’ll be left out: Although the Longhorns enter the year under the radar, they have some ground to cover before McCoy can be a serious threat to the Heisman. With a crowded field, a 9-3 or 10-2 season won’t get it done. It will likely take an undefeated season before the junior can notch top five consideration. Outside of McCoy, four other Big 12 quarterbacks begin the season on our top 25 Heisman watchlist. Not only is it a crowded year in the overall field, but it’s jammed within his conference. He will also have to stay healthy, something he hasn’t done in two seasons.

Final Analysis: McCoy should continue to show overall improvement as a passer in his third season as a starter. However, a crowded Big 12 Heisman field won’t make it easy for the junior. Expect a solid year, but a top 10 Heisman finish appears unlikely.

2007 STAT LINE

Other Links:

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