Early 2016 Heisman Trophy Picks: Where does Chubb fit in?

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Sep 12, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) prior to the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

We are officially in the offseason, but it’s never too early to look ahead at next year’s Heisman race.

One of the most coveted awards in all of sports is the Heisman Trophy a.k.a. the award given to college football’s best player. While the college football season is still months away, it’s never too early to look ahead at the top Heisman contenders for this fall.

There are multiple players that can and will challenge for this award such as FSU running back Dalvin Cook, Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr., Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson (keep an eye on that kid), Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett, etc. There’s also always someone else that no one knows about that jumps on to the scene.

However, here’s our best stab at narrowing down the list to the top five Heisman candidates for 2016. Let’s start with No. 5.

5. RB Nick Chubb – Georgia

Sep 12, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs for a first down during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Georgia won 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Nick Chubb is one of the most dynamic players in college football. The University of Georgia has been known for having top running backs, and Chubb certainly fits into that category.

Chubb injured his knee in October 2015 against Tennessee and was out for the remainder of the season. Georgia coach Kirby Smart has said that Chubb is way ahead of schedule in healing from his injury.

He’s been seen by multiple sources in practice running and was seen on the sidelines without a brace during the spring game. All signs point to Chubb getting back on the field early in 2016 and maybe in the first game against North Carolina. Chubb is a hard worker, and many believe he’ll be back better than ever.

If they are right, It will be a huge boon for the Georgia offense to have him back. Chubb can handle a big workload for UGA. Chubb is a complete back.

He’s not only got the speed to take it to the house on any given play, but also has got amazing vision and elusiveness. He hits the hole hard and is also very patient and lets things open up around him. His greatest attribute is his strength as he would rather run over an opponent than bounce it to the outside, and it often takes more than one player to bring him down.

Chubb also stuffs the stat sheet. In his freshman year at UGA, he rushed for 1,547 yards and 14 touchdowns despite sharing the backfield with Todd Gurley and Sony Michel. Last season, Chubb started out strong as he rushed for over a hundred yards before going down with his aforementioned injury.

Chubb will be looked to as the focal point of the UGA offense this fall as he will be asked to carry the majority of the load since the Georgia quarterback situation is far from settled.

When healthy, Chubb is one of the top backs in the entire country. He should be in the thick of the Heisman race next year.

Next: Baker Mayfield

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