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Top 10 non-quarterback Heisman winners of all time in college football ft. Derrick Henry

As the Heisman Trophy announcement approaches, it seems likely that a non-quarterback will win the award. Sure, Miami's Cam Ward and Oregon's Dillon Gabriel are both finalists. The real battle seems to be between Colorado's WR/CB Travis Hunter and Boise State's RB Ashton Jeanty. Neither of those players happen to be quarterbacks.

QBs are the likely Heisman winners of the modern pass-heavy era. Only four non-QBs have won the Heisman Trophy in the 2000s. The history of the Heisman is a little more varied. But it's a good time to celebrate the non-QB Heisman winners and their contributions to college football. Here's 10 of the best.

Top 10 non-QB Heisman winners

Former Alabama star Derrick Henry was one of the top non-QB Heisman winners. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)
Former Alabama star Derrick Henry was one of the top non-QB Heisman winners. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

10. Herschel Walker, Georgia, 1982

Walker was a college football phenomenon. He helped Georgia to a 1980 national title and won college football's top award two years later. Walker rushed for an astonishing 5,259 yards and 49 touchdowns in his three seasons at Georgia. He redefined SEC football running backs for a generation.

9. OJ Simpson, USC, 1968

Before all the insanity that followed his later life, Simpson exploded in college football like a dynamo. In two seasons at USC, he rushed for 3,423 yards and 36 touchdowns. His Heisman season was epic, with Simpson then holding the record for widest margin of Heisman victory.

8. Billy Cannon, LSU, 1959

Billy Cannon was an LSU star who would appreciate Travis Hunter's game, because his own was not dissimilar. A standout running back, he was also an excellent defensive back and a solid punter. Cannon helped LSU to a title.

7. Ernie Davis, Syracuse, 1961

Davis was a hero whose legacy is bigger than football. He was the first African-American Heisman Trophy winner. Sadly, some voters for the Heisman refused to consider African-American players, but Davis's play at Syracuse was so impressive that he overcame the racism of the Heisman selection process and won the award.

6. Bo Jackson, Auburn, 1985

Jackson may have been the greatest athlete of the modern era. A baseball and football star, an excellent track competitor, he did everything well. Jackson rushed for 4,303 yards and brought Auburn into competition at the top of the SEC.

5. Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State, 1988

Sanders's 1988 season is the standard for running backs. It's his record of 2,628 rushing yards that Ashton Jeanty is chasing. But Sanders gained his yards (and his 37 rushing touchdowns) in 11 games. Nobody will really be better than Barry.

4. Desmond Howard, Michigan, 1991

Every time a Heisman candidate breaks into the Heisman statute pose, he's paying tribute to Desmond Howard. An outstanding receiver and kick returner for Michigan, Howard broke out the move during his 1991 season and changed the culture forever. He scored 23 touchdowns in his Heisman season and was an all-around superstar.

3. Derrick Henry, Alabama, 2015

Henry had a brilliant junior season at Alabama that made him a no-doubt Heisman winner. His 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns demonstrated Alabama's SEC dominance. Henry has gone on to have a stellar NFL career and seems destined to be remembered as one of the best running backs of all time.

2. Charles Woodson, Michigan, 1997

The only defensive winner of the award, Woodson again has some strong Travis Hunter vibes. Like Hunter, Woodson's coaches realized that he could have impact on offense (and help his Heisman candidacy). Unlike Hunter, Woodson was just an occasional player on offense. But the lockdown corner shocked Tennessee's Peyton Manning and won the award over the UT favorite in an epic surprise.

1. Archie Griffin, Ohio State, 1974 and 1975

Griffin is the only player ever to win two Heisman waards. As young players have started to win, it's fair to wonder if someone else can equal that mark. But it's also unlikely. It's been 50 years since Griffin made football history. The Ohio State star still stands alone with his pair of Heismans and he may always stand alone.

What do you think of our top non-QB Heisman winners? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!

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