Heisman hype

Matt Barkley, USC

The Buzz: Last season, he threw for 3,528 yards and 39 touchdowns. Down the stretch, Barkley was statistically one of the best QBs in the country.

Montee Ball, Wisconsin

The Buzz: The 5-foot-11 back rushed for 1,923 yards and tied the NCAA record for most touchdowns in a season (39).

Geno Smith, W. Va.

The Buzz: Smith threw for a career-high 4,385 yards and 31 touchdowns thanks, in part, to new coach Dana Holgorsen’s high-powered offense.

Denard Robinson, Mich.

Buzz: Last season, he racked up more 3,340 yards of total offense and 36 touchdowns. He led the team to its first double- digit win season since 2006.

De’Anthony Thomas, Ore.

Buzz: An explosive all-around threat, Thomas rushed for 595 yards and was the Ducks’ main receiving threat with 46 catches for 605 yards and nine TDs last season. He led the Pac-12 in kickoff returns with 983 yards.

Orlando Sentinel