Kelly Bryant named top under-the-radar Heisman contender

Kelly Bryant ranks among the nation's best in rushing touchdowns and could earn more recognition as the season goes on leading a Playoff contender.

by Brandon Rink - Staff Writer - Fri Oct 06 14:40:31 GMT-04:00 2017

There’s still a lot of football to go this season, and while some clear contenders have emerged for the Heisman Trophy, it’s still anyone’s game.

With that concept in mind. CBS Sports listed Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant as the top under-the-radar Heisman candidate after five games.

“Unless you're a Clemson fan talking to other Clemson fans, how many times have you heard Kelly Bryant's name mentioned in the same sentence as Heisman Trophy? I haven't heard it once,” CBS Sports college football writer Tom Fornelli writes, “and it boggles my mind how the quarterback on the reigning national champion isn't getting more attention.”

After earning recognition from the Manning and O'Brien Awards this week, Bryant’s case rests in his total offense contributions, ranking 10th nationally and third-best among quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns (7).

The Wren product has put together an efficient 66.2 completion percentage (22nd nationally/third in the ACC), ranking ninth in the ACC in QB rating (137.58) but fourth in yards per pass attempt (8.1) with three touchdowns to three interceptions.

Thanks to an early challenging schedule, he’s posted more total yards versus ranked opponents than any QB (862), although Louisville’s Lamar Jackson is right there with only two opportunities (808).

“He needs to pick up the pace on his stats to get serious consideration,” said Fornelli, “but I still think Bryant is going to enter the conversation sooner rather than later. He's the most important player on what might be the best team in the country.”

Another CBS Sports writer in Dennis Dodd threw Clemson defensive end Austin Bryant into the conversation after last weekend, where he posted five tackles – 2.5 for loss – with an interception in another strong defensive effort.

My Heisman top 3 this week
1. Saquon Barkley
2. Luke Falk
3. Bryce Love
(HM--Austin Bryant, Clemson)
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) October 1, 2017

Although any defensive player is a longshot for the Heisman, Bryant is tied for second in the ACC and eighth nationally in sacks (5) and cracks the top-20 in tackles for loss (17th; 8.5) after facing three ranked opponents in five games.