LSU football: Why Leonard Fournette can win the Heisman in 2015

Sep 27, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks loose for a touchdown run against the New Mexico State Aggies during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The LSU football team is a dark horse national title contender, and Leonard Fournette is a large reason why. Here is why the sophomore running back will win the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2015. 

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The college football season is underway, and before a snap had been played, the national media was flooded with preseason polls, rankings and predictions.

Among the way-too-early predictions have been those related to who will win the coveted Heisman Trophy.

The most common names you will see in the Heisman hopeful discussion are Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott, TCU quarterback Treyvone Boykin, Georgia running back Nick Chubb and LSU running back Leonard Fournette.

Related: 2015 Heisman hopefuls in the SEC

All four played well enough in 2014 to jump on everyone’s radar by the season’s end. Predictions are nothing but speculation right now, though, and each player will have to backup the preseason hype with statistics and plays that will impress the 929 Heisman voters.

The preseason AP poll has Ohio State and TCU ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, so Elliott and Boykin will be at the forefront of the early-season headlines as their teams remain atop the polls.

But lurking just around the corner is Georgia at No. 9 and LSU at No. 14, giving both Chubb and Fournette ample opportunities to receive national recognition throughout the season.

It is impossible to predict the Heisman winner at this point, or even the finalists. And although Elliott, Boykin and Chubb are found on almost everyone’s top-five, it is Fournette who might have the best chance to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy this season.

Here is why.

Next: Fournette has matured and improved as a running back