There is no question that the 2022 Heisman trophy frontrunner is the 2021 award winner, Bryce Young. The Alabama quarterback returns in 2022 to lead the Tide back to the national title game and win it. Also, lets not forget CJ Stroud; Ohio State’s elite gunslinger who got better as the season went on. Strouds last game against Utah the momentum he needed to be considered the second best quarterback entering 2022.
With that being said, the rest of the players considered Heisman contenders don’t have as much hype going into 2022 as the two mentioned above.
But, I have a feeling that Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson or AR15 is the sleeper for the Heisman race in 2022. AR15 flashed a little of his talent last year when he backed up Emory Jones. Jones departed for the transfer portal this spring.
Again, this is a hunch feeling. The Heisman voters like quarterbacks who win but also show unbelievable gifts. Bryce Young’s greatest gifts are poise and decision making in the pocket or when a play breaks down. AR15 has the arm strength, but it’s his ability to run that will have voters interested and Florida dangerous in 2022.
AR15 was mostly used in designed runs, but as the season went on you saw him throw a lot more. Richardson will have to improve on his decision making if he hopes to capture the Heisman.
in 2021, Richardson threw for 529 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. On the ground, Richardson managed to rush for 401 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The Florida Gators had their spring game this Thursday. Richardson showed great signs of growth. Although it was just a spring game, Richardson zip and accuracy was on full display. He also took opportunities to run the ball when the play broke down.
Again, we can’t put too much stock into the spring game; but the game against Utah week 1 will be his coming out party. The Gators have always been formidable when they have an elite quarterback under center.
Although Georgia will be the favorites to repeat, Florida can unseat them with a great performance by Richardson.
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