Way Too Early 2016 Season Heisman Projections

Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Louisiana State Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) leaves the field after scoring three touchdowns against the Auburn Tigers at Tiger Stadium. LSU won 45-21. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

2.  Leonard Fournette

Is Leonard Fournette the most talented football player on this list?  Yes.

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If Leonard Fournette wins the Heisman this year, is he the odds on favorite to be the first back to back Heisman winner since Archie Griffin?  Yes.

Will Leonard Fournette enter the 2016 season as motivated as he did this year? Um…..

There is no doubt that Leonard Fournette is a special and uniquely talented player that only comes around every now and again. But, what motivation could he possibly have coming into next year?  Let’s say that LSU falls short of winning a national championship this year and even falls short of reaching the SEC championship game.  Knowing that every game you go out to play could be the demise of your NFL career, how can you play without reservation?  There is no doubt that if he were eligible to leave after this year, he’d be gone.  With that thought in mind, will Leonard Fournette even choose to play next year?  The cautionary tales of Marcus Lattimore, Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb would suggest that if he gets out of this season healthy, he should just sit next year until he is eligible for the NFL draft.  He has clearly solidified himself as the top running back in any given NFL draft he chooses to enter and he literally has nothing to gain in regards to his NFL career by playing next year.  Leonard Fournette’s 2016 Heisman campaign solely rests on what factors will motivate Leonard Fournette.

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