Sproles, Williams running to glory?

Jason White will face some stiff competition in his quest to win back-to-back Heisman Trophies.

Updated: August 27, 2004, 6:54 PM ET

By Todd McShay | Scouts, Inc.

Last season, Jason White came from nowhere to capture College Football's most prestigious award. White returns this season, looking to join former Ohio State RB Archie Griffin as the only players to win back-to-back Heisman Trophies.

But White will face stiff competition in his quest, especially at the quarterback position. Scouts, Inc., unveils its list of the top 10 Heisman hopefuls.

1. Matt Leinart, QB USC Trojans
Leinart enters his junior season as a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate. He had a remarkable sophomore season as a first-year starter in 2003 when he replaced Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer. Leinart was 255 of 404 (63.4 percent) with 3,556 yards, 38 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Leinart has emerged as one of the premier quarterbacks in the nation and certainly has the talent to improve on his skill level from a year ago, but does he have the talent around him to win the Heisman? With WR Mike Williams' eligibility still in the hands of the NCAA, the suspension of starting running back Hershel White and the daunting task of breaking in four new offensive line starters, Leinart has his work cut out for him. There's a lot of young talent around him but how long will it take to develop?

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