Heisman Trophy Hunters

In his second year as a starter in 2011, he led the SEC with 35 TD passes, a school record. The Bulldogs will have a deep and talented receiving corps, but for Murray it's paramount that he cut down on his interceptions (14 last year) if he's to have a real shot.

DENARD ROBINSON

QB, Michigan, Sr.

His interceptions ballooned to a career-worst 15 in 2011, and he completed just 55.0% of his passes, but few can match what Shoelace does with his legs. He needs to be a more consistent passer if he's to become the fourth dual-threat QB to win since '07.

GENO SMITH

QB, West Virginia, Sr.

Smith excelled in his first year in coach Dana Holgorsen's Air Raid attack. He threw for 4,385 yards (the second most of any QB who is returning in 2012) and 31 TDs. If he can approach those numbers as the Mountaineers move to the Big 12, he'll be a contender.

DE'ANTHONY THOMAS

RB, Oregon, Soph.

The Black Mamba is a multipurpose monster—he had 18 combined rushing, receiving and returning TDs while earning Pac-12 co-offensive freshman of the year honors. So he should have no problem supplying highlight-reel moments for a potential Heisman ceremony package.