1. Darren McFadden — He rushed for 1,646 yards last season in the best defensive conference in the country. Only three other SEC running backs — Herschel Walker (twice), Bo Jackson and Charles Alexander — rushed for more yards in a season.

Even though he was the focal point of every defense he faced, McFadden rushed for more than 100 yards seven times. He also completed seven of nine passes when Arkansas employed him as a quarterback in the shotgun formation.

He should have another big year if he stays healthy and the Razorbacks adequately replace three starters in their offensive line.

2. Steve Slaton — He’s fast and tough and has the advantage of playing in the same backfield with West Virginia quarterback Patrick White, another breakaway runner. Defenses can’t afford to key on either one.

Slaton averaged slightly better than 7 yards per carry in rushing for 1,744 yards last season. He only lost two starters in his offensive line, and Owen Schmitt — a 6-foot-3, 260-pound fullback — returns as well.

3. Patrick White — The 2006 offensive player of the year in the Big East, White averaged 7.4 yards per carry in rushing for 1,219 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns.

Because he runs like an All-American tailback, White is often underestimated as a passer. He completed 65.9 percent of his passes for 1,655 yards last season.

4. Colt Brennan — His passing statistics are overwhelming. So are the stats of almost anyone else who plays quarterback in Hawaii coach June Jones’ spectacularly suc-cessful offense.

But you only have to watch Brennan play to realize it’s not just the system. He’s bigger (6-3, 195) and more athletic than Timmy Chang, a former record-setting Ha-waii quarterback.

The stats will favor Brennan. The schedule won’t. The Warriors will play only one team (Washington) from a BCS conference.

5. Brian Brohm — If you polled only pro scouts, Louisville’s quarterback would be the Heisman favorite. At 6-4, 225, he has the look and arm of your prototypical NFL quar-terback.

He passed for more than 3,000 yards and completed 63.6 percent of his passes last season despite missing two games with an injury. He will have plenty of offensive help with an offensive line that returns three starters and two all-conference players; and an outstanding pass-receiving tandem in Mario Urrutia and Harry Douglas, who com-bined for 128 pass receptions last season.

6. John David Booty — USC’s previous two quarterbacks, Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart, both won the Heisman. Now, it could be Booty’s turn.

He passed for 3,347 yards, 29 touchdowns and only nine interceptions last season. Although he lost his top two receivers, Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith, there’s plenty of support elsewhere. All-American tackle Sam Baker returns to anchor another formidable USC offensive line, and tight end Fred Davis is a proven receiver.

7. Colt McCoy — Despite being hampered by a neck injury in the last two regular-season games, McCoy finished his first season as a starter with 29 touchdown passes and seven interceptions.

He has two proven receivers in Limas Sweed and Quan Cosby. With those receivers and without a great rushing attack, McCoy could post even bigger passing num-bers this season.

Another factor in McCoy’s favorite: Name another Heisman candidate from the Big 12.

8. Chad Henne — Not many college quarterbacks can match his complementary talent at three key positions — running back Mike Hart, who rushed for 1,562 yards last season; wide receiver Marrio Mannigham, who had 38 catches for 703 yards and nine touchdowns; and left offensive tackle Jake Long (6-7, 315), who considered going pro after his junior season.

Henne’s chances for the Heisman, like Michigan’s chances of playing for the national title, could come down to the last two games against Wisconsin and Ohio State.

9. Tim Tebow — Never mind that he’s only a sophomore and beginning his first season as Florida’s starting quarterback. He’s already a cult hero in Florida.

After proving himself as a power runner last season, Tebow will have a chance to expand his game this fall. He couldn’t ask for a better setup. The Gators have half-a-dozen quality wide receivers and a veteran offensive line. Moreover, they might need to pile up points to carry an inexperienced defense.

10. Andre Woodson — He has the huge disadvantage of playing for a mediocre Kentucky team in the strongest division in the country. But there’s nothing mediocre about his offense.

The Wildcats have established playmakers at running back, wide receiver and tight end. Also, coach Rich Brooks says this will be his best offensive line at Kentucky.

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.