Marshawn Lynch Heisman Push

Touted as a preseason Heisman candidate, Marshawn Lynch quickly fell off the radar after the Tennessee game, much like his team did in the national championship picture. Now, Marshawn is making a strong push for, at least, a spot at the ceremony in New York. Coach Tedford is also making a push for Marshawn stating, "I find it hard to believe that there are many football players better than him in the country."

Below I list some popular Heisman watch lists and where Marshawn currently sits.

Gene Menez, SI.com

5. Marshawn Lynch, Cal, RB, Jr.

Last week: 21 rushes, 150 yards, 2 TDs; 4 receptions, 53 yards in a 31-24 victory over Washington
Season: 132 rushes, 907 yards, 8 TDs; 19 receptions, 216 yards, 3 TDs
Heisman-o-meter: A member of this list last month, Lynch had been flirting with making a return. He finally does so after an impressive effort against the Huskies. Though he didn't start because of two sprained ankles, he dominated in the second half, once turning an aborted halfback pass into an impromptu cross-country tour that ended just shy of the goal line. He's here to stay.
Up next: Nov. 4 vs. UCLA

Richard Cirminiello, CFN.com

4. RB Marshawn Lynch, Cal
Both his ankles may have been barking, but Lynch's mind was telling him to forge ahead in Cal's first tight game since the opener. With Washington refusing to go away, he carried the Cal offense in the second-half scoring the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter and the game-winner from 22 yards out after the Huskies sent the game to overtime on a Hail Mary pass at the end of regulation.
Last Week: 21 carries for 150 yards and 2 TDs – 4 catches for 53 yards (Washington)
This Week: Idle
2006 Season: 132 carries for 907 yards and 8 TDs – 19 catches for 216 yards and 3 TDs
Barometer: Rising

Heisman Pundit has Marshawn at #6. ESPN has him at #9. Looks like a strong game in a victory at USC would push him into Heisman contention even further.

Jay Heater, Contra Costa Times has an interesting story about Marshawn's Heisman hopes (read article here). In his blog he even talks about how Marshawn's cart ride might have even helped his Heisman campaign (read blog here). Like they say, there's no such thing as bad publicity. Best of luck to Marshawn, but Troy Smith is running away with this award.

Personally, I can't wait for the Desean Jackson Heisman push next year (www.djax1.com??). Remember Desmond Howard winning the Heisman? Now picture DJax making a diving TD catch next year against USC at Memorial Stadium then striking the Heisman pose on the back of a injury cart that Longshore is driving across the field.

Last comment: AOL sports recently released the top 13 playmakers for college football. Marshawn comes in at the #3 spot with a mention of his cart driving skills. But more surprisingly, the top spot was given to Desean Jackson. Here is my favorite quote, "Trying to tackle Jackson is like trying to bring down a cheetah while wearing stilletos ... on ice". Anyone who has ever tried to tackle anything while wearing stilletos on any surface can confirm that this is high praise. (read article)