5 Reasons Why LSU's Leonard Fournette is an Early Heisman Front-Runner

By Bryan Zarpentine

5 Reasons Why LSU's Leonard Fournette is an Early Heisman Front-Runner

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Troy Taormina - USATODAY Sports

September isn’t even over yet, but already several players across the country have stood out as contenders for the Heisman Trophy. One such player is LSU running back, Leonard Fournette, who has hit the ground running and looks like the player he was promised to be coming out of high school. After playing just two games this season, here are five reasons why Fournette is already the front-runner for the Heisman.

5. No One Can Top HIs Performance Against Auburn

Leonard Fournette LSU
Derick E. Hingle - USATODAY Sports

5. No One Can Top His Performance Against Auburn

Leonard Fournette LSU
Derick E. Hingle - USATODAY Sports

There hasn't been a more impressive individual performance this season than the 228 yards and three touchdowns Fournette rushed for against Auburn. It's just three weeks into the season, but such a huge performance in a rivalry game is going to be difficult for any other player in the country to top. This may already be Fournette's signature Heisman moment.

4. He Is Strong Enough To Avoid Injuries

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Crystal-LoGiudice - USATODAY Sports

4. He Is Strong Enough To Avoid Injuries

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Crystal-LoGiudice - USATODAY Sports

Part of winning a Heisman requires staying healthy throughout the entire season to put up monster numbers, and this is something Fournette is capable of doing. He's 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, so he'll be able to withstand a heavy workload and avoid injuries. Fournette did pick up a knock against Auburn, but he's not expected to miss any time. He's definitely showing fans he has the durability to be a Heisman winner.

3. He Will Carry the LSU Offense

Leonard Fournette
Derick E. Hingle - USATODAY Sports

3. He Will Carry the LSU Offense

Leonard Fournette
Derick E. Hingle - USATODAY Sports

LSU is playing a young, inexperienced quarterback this year in Brandon Harris, so they'll be relying heavily on their running game to take the pressure off. That means leaning on Fournette. The Tigers will have no problem handing the ball to Fournette 20-plus times per game. This will give him more than enough opportunities to prove himself and impress Heisman voters by showing he can carry a team on his shoulders.

2. He Plays in the SEC West

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Matt Bush - USATODAY Sports

2. He Plays in the SEC West

leonard fournette
Matt Bush - USATODAY Sports

Fournette's Heisman chances will receive a huge boost from the fact that he plays in the SEC West. The SEC West is known as the best division in college football. It's home to several top-notch defenses, so having impressive outings and putting up big numbers against SEC West teams will make Fournette stand out from the pack and enhance his Heisman chances.

1. He Really is the Best Player in the Country

Leonard Fournette
Matt Bush - USATODAY Sports

1. He Really is the Best Player in the Country

Leonard Fournette
Matt Bush - USATODAY Sports

The Heisman often comes down to who put up the most impressive numbers or who was the best player on the best team. Fournette really is the best football player in the country. He's a strong, powerful runner with an incredible amount of talent. There's a reason why he had Heisman hype heading into last season as a freshman and we've seen early this year that the hype was valid. Fournette really looks the part of a Heisman winner.

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