Is Amari Cooper a True Heisman Contender?

Alabama fans and coaches certainly happy to have Amari Cooper back and healthy. After an impressive freshman season and an injury filled sophomore campaign, Cooper is back with a vengeance.

In two games Cooper has totaled 25 receptions for 319 yards, leading the country in both categories. He’s likely to rewrite the Alabama history books this year. Is it too soon to discuss his chances at the Heisman trophy?

Let’s be realistic; the chances a wide receiver actually wins the Heisman are pretty slim. Desmond Howard was the last winner, and you have to go all the way back to 1991. Overall, there have only been three winners at that position – Johnny Rodgers (1972) and Tim Brown (1987) were the other two recipients.

The competition this season isn’t too kind to Cooper’s chances. Marcus Mariota may be the front-runner. The talented quarterback in Oregon just defeated a very tough Michigan State defense in what was the match up of the year so far. He didn’t just win; he put up big numbers as well, throwing for three touchdowns and over 300 hundred yards. Those stats are more impressive than anyone else who goes up against teams outside the “Power 5” conferences like many schools did last week.

Looking at the rest of the list, you have Georgia running back Todd Gurley, who posted almost 200 yards rushing and three touchdowns against Clemson opening week. Last year’s winner, Jameis Winston, is off to a lackluster start but will continue to be in the hunt. Another candidate this season is Texas A&M’s Kenny Hill. His annihilation of South Carolina’s defense is still fresh on voters’ minds.

With all that being said, let’s break down how Cooper can become a top contender, or maybe even win.

Keep producing 

Simple right? Not so fast. Defenses will learn about Alabama’s screen pass (which is basically Alabama’s offense so far), and there are high doubts those plays will be as effective in conference play compared to FAU. When defenses adapt, Cooper will have to make plays in other ways, whether he becomes a deep threat, a possession type player, or being able to break free for big plays.

When it comes down to quarterback play, Jake Coker may actually benefit Cooper the most. Even with Sims out, Coker still targeted Cooper an awful lot, especially with the deep ball. So far this year there haven’t been many passing plays over 15+ yards through the air, but as Coker progresses those plays should open up more and more.

With Sims, once the short passing game is taken away, then what? If Sims can prove this weekend against Southern Miss he can really sling the ball, my doubts will be eased, but until then Coker is best for Cooper statistically. Targets won’t be an issue, it’s what he can turn those targets into that will determine how far Cooper goes.

Step up in big games

Mark Ingram may have won the Heisman in 2009 after his South Carolina performance. The big stage is when a player will get voters attention the most. That’s an area Alabama has plenty of.

Starting next weekend, a very talented and likely undefeated and top 25-ranked Florida comes to town. If Cooper can perform in big moments then his stock should really rise.

After Florida, traveling to Ole Miss could become a huge game. Noted as the infamous “trap game” for Alabama this season, Cooper dismantling their defense could put the rest of the nation on notice that Cooper will continue to post big numbers in big games.

Alabama also has a potential shoot out with Texas A&M, a tough road game against LSU, and then of course Auburn. If Cooper performs in the shoot out and Auburn remains undefeated when traveling to Tuscaloosa, a big performance (and win) could send Cooper to New York for the ceremony.

Knocking out the competition

This is generally easy for quarterbacks. If you win, the player will continue to be recognized. Even AJ McCarron started making some noise as Alabama went through the season undefeated last year. If Mariota stumbles against Stanford again this season, or Kenny Hill loses a couple games then they may be out of contention. As with Johnny Manziel last year, A&M’s defense may hurt Hill’s chances this season.

Gurley is a bit more of a challenge. He’s Georgia’s offense this season and is arguably the most talented running back in the nation. He’s already a well-known commodity. As long as he produces against SEC defenses, he’ll continue to be near the top even if Georgia drops a game.

Bringing value to the position

Over the past few years, it’s becoming difficult for Alabama players to get the their true recognition. If a quarterback wins, the conventional wisdom is that it’s because of the defense or the weapons around him. If a running back does well it’s because the offensive line opened up massive holes. If you’re a cornerback and shut down an opponent it’s because of the pass rush.

How does Cooper break through that wall? By doing exactly what he’s doing. If Cooper continues to be the major part of the pass game, then the offense seemingly goes through him when the ball is in the air.

If you’re an NFL fan, think of Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona. He’s always producing despite questionable quarterback play and the majority of the balls still going to him. Fitzgerald has been praised for those sort of performances. Cooper’s Heisman campaign can play off that role Fitzgerald plays.

Another way Cooper can bring value is coming up with clutch plays, which shouldn’t be much of an issue. Generally when a wide receiver is being recognized it’s because of the offensive system or because of an elite passer throwing him the ball. With no disrespect, Cooper has neither. Producing in big ways in a typically balanced offense and coming up in big plays against top teams will really get him recognized.

Overall, the chances are still pretty slim. Cooper basically has to prove he’s the MVP of the offense. With the stable of running backs Alabama has, that’s going to be a bit difficult, but not impossible.

If Cooper can come up with SportsCenter-highlight plays and “Heisman worthy moments,” then he’ll have a shot. If he doesn’t get the ball or comes up flat against a top team, then his chances go down the drain at that very moment.

Every week will be a must-produce game, but if anyone can do it, Cooper certainly can.