ESPN Releases First Heisman Trophy Watch List

With every passing day the college football season draws closer and closer. As the season draws closer we will continue to see watch lists for every award college football gives out, but there is only one that matters--the Heisman Trophy.

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Here is the list of candidates to watch according to ESPN:

1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina Gamecocks
2. Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State Buckeyes
3. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M Aggies
4.AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama Crimson Tide
5. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon Ducks
6. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville Cardinals
7. Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson Tigers
8. Marqise Lee, WR, USC Trojans
9. Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor Bears
10. T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama Crimson Tide
11. De’Anthony Thomas, RB/WR, Oregon Ducks
12. Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia Bulldogs
13. Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA Bruins
14. Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia Bulldogs

No surprises really. Jadaveon Clowney is probably their front runner due to the scandal and uncertainly surrounding Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel. I am a little surprised that Braxton Miller has been put ahead of Manziel. He's a solid quarterback, but I'm not convinced he isn't a product of the system.

Just like every other list this is just the preseason one. I believe last season ESPN started out with Matt Barkley at the top of their list (nailed that one).

There are a lot of quality players on the list which tells us one thing--it is going to be one heck of a season.