2010 Heisman Hopeful Countdown: No. 6 Oregon State RB Jacquizz Rodgers

in Heisman Watch by Asher Feldman — August 16, 2010 at 1:04 pm | 1 comment

As part of BCS Know How’s 2010 season preview, we will be breaking down our ten favorite Heisman hopefuls to get you ready for this season’s edition of the Heisman Watch.

Here’s our No. 6 selection, Oregon State junior running back Jacquizz Rodgers.

Few had heard of the oddly-named five-foot-seven Oregon State running back Jacquizz Rodgers before September 25, 2008.

On that day, the undersized younger brother of established Beaver receiver James Rodgers helped Oregon State shock both the USC Trojans and the country at large by rushing for 186 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-21 upset victory over the then-No. 1 Trojans.

The Trojans seemingly could not contain the speedy Rodgers, as he slipped out of tackle after tackle, and kept the ball out of USC’s hands just long enough to keep the Trojans from making a late comeback.

Ever since, the Beavers have been blessed with a running back whose talent far outmeasures his height, and now, entering his junior season, Rodgers seems poised to make his way towards more national glory — this time as a legitimate Heisman trophy hopeful.

Rodgers began to show his full potential last season, when he was a third-team AP All-American and ran for 1,440 yards and 21 touchdowns to go along with 522 yards receiving on the year.

Rodgers’ 2009 campaign was highlighted by an award-winning output against Stanford, in which he accounted for 271 yards of total offense and four touchdowns.

Rodgers and the Beavers’ aspirations for a 2009 Pac-10 title fell just short as they were unable to beat in-state rival Oregon in their “Civil War,” falling just one game short of making their way to the Rose Bowl.

In 2010, the immediate goal will be to get to the top of a Pac-10 conference full of talented teams, and Rodgers’ ability to match and exceed his 2009 output will of the utmost importance to the Beavers’ hopes.

Rodgers will be especially important to the Beavers as they look to a new quarterback — likely sophomore Ryan Katz — to orchestrate the Beaver offense to another productive season. Rodgers will be relied upon to help make the transition smoother and strong production from the junior could do just that.

Bottom Line: Among the most talented and entertaining backs in the country, Rodgers certainly has the potential to put in an all-time season at Oregon State in 2010. The biggest battle he’ll face will be teams stacking up against the Beaver rushing game if the quarterback situation does not meet expectations.

However, Rodgers will be running behind a very experienced offensive line, which returns four starters from ’09.

If the Beavers can make a real run at the Pac-10 title and Rodgers keys victories like he did in 2009, ‘Quizz could be a very strong Heisman candidate when the 2010 season comes to an end.

←2010 Heisman Hopeful Countdown: No. 7 Houston QB Case Keenum

2010 Heisman Hopeful Countdown: No. 5 West Virginia RB Noel Devine →

Tags: 2010 college football season featured heisman hopefuls Heisman Watch jacquizz rodgers oregon state beavers