Chris Fowler: 'I've never seen a stranger' Heisman Trophy race

Chris Fowler is well-versed in Heisman Trophy history. The host of ESPN’s presentation of the award since 1994, Fowler joined the Paul Finebaum Show on Friday to discuss this year’s race.

He offered a strong opinion on the potential candidates.

“I’ve never seen a stranger race than this,” Fowler said. “I’m going to give strong consideration to a defensive player on the ballot. Maybe even the top of the ballot. To me, it’s been a different kind of year where the defenses have taken back some of the momentum.”

Most projections have Michigan State Running back Kenneth Walker III as the frontrunner, with quarterbacks Bryce Young (Alabama), CJ Stroud (Ohio State) and Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh) behind him.

But Fowler brought attention to a pair of players who are dominating on defense.

“(Linebacker) Will Anderson at Alabama is a guy that leads the nation in sacks and tackles for loss. You know how reluctant Saban is to praise — especially a sophomore — but he has been unbelievable. (Defensive end) Kayvon Thibodeaux is gonna be the top pick. We talk to scouts every week. He was injured on Oregon’s biggest stage against Ohio State, but since he’s gotten back he’s played tremendously.”

Both players find themselves on teams squarely in the center of the College Football Playoff race. Alabama is currently No. 2 in the committee’s rankings with the Ducks coming in at No. 3. Each team has one loss on the season.

Anderson has 12 sacks on the season, while Thibodeaux has six to go with 10 tackles for loss in seven games. Anderson also has 67 total tackles on the year to go with two passes defended.

Only one defensive player has ever won the Heisman Trophy, as Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson beat out Peyton Manning in 1997. Needless to say, it seems like a longshot we see either Thibodeaux or Anderson take the award, despite their outstanding play.

For now, Walker, the nation’s second leading rusher with 1,473 yards, seems primed to become the Spartans’ first-ever winner. If it’s not him, Stroud and Young, who have put up spectacular numbers down the stretch, are the next two.

But to Chris Fowler’s point, there doesn’t seem to be any player who has a significant edge in this year’s Heisman Trophy race. As is the case, the final two weeks of the regular season could be especially important to Heisman hopefuls.