Michigan State Football: Top 3 Heisman candidates for 2015

Nov 29, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio stands in the tunnel with his players prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

This one may have some people scratching their heads a bit. Don’t knock the decision to name two unproven running backs as some of Michigan State’s top Heisman candidates. The Spartans are loaded with talent on the offensive side of the ball despite most of the skill positions being occupied by first-year starters such as Madre London and Larry Scott — heck, even Gerald Holmes.

While I could absolutely be proven wrong by this, Madre London seems to be the back gaining momentum in the position battle between him and Holmes. With Delton Williams still battling legal issues, Holmes and London are the top two returning competitors for the position after Jeremy Langford’s departure.

London, it seems, has more of a second burst of speed and acceleration that gives him big-play ability while Holmes could be a goal-line back or a 5-10 carry a game type of back who will get the average touches, but never really break out.

Madre is my favorite to win the battle and I think he has the potential to be an All-Big Ten running back and eventually enter the Heisman conversation with a big start to the year.

However, he will have a bit of competition with incoming freshman back Larry Scott who may be Dantonio’s highest-rated offensive recruit ever. The running back from Hubbard High in Ohio has the potential to be one of the best to ever wear a Green & White jersey, but it all depends on when Dantonio wants to give him the starting nod.

If Coach D decides to start Scott this season, he will break out and be an absolute star, pushing for the Freshmen All-American team and maybe even some Heisman votes.

This might be a stretch, but given Dantonio’s track record with running backs, it’s not too far-fetched.

Next: 2. Shilique Calhoun, DE