The five 2016 Heisman finalists: How do they measure up?

The five finalists for the 2016 Heisman Trophy have been announced and we have an interesting list heading to New York. Unlike last season where just three finalists, there is a full stable of worthy candidates this year and only one returnee.

Below is the list, in alphabetical order:

Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
(3,390 yds pass, 30 TDs, 9 INT; 1,538 yds rush, 21 TDs)
Jackson has been the odds on favorite for most of the season. He started the year with an eight-touchdown effort against Charlotte and hasn't looked back. Jackson, Louisville's first Heisman finalist, is the first FBS player to ever throw for over 3,300 yards and rush for 1,500 yards while setting the ACC record for total touchdowns. He's been great all year, though there has been some doubt after the Cardinals lost their final two games of the season. Still, he's the man to beat.

Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
(3,669 yds pass, 38 TDs, 8 INT; 143 yds rush, 6 TDs)
Mayfield has been on a tear of late. After a rough start to the season for the Sooners, Mayfield got his groove back during Big 12 play. Mayfield threw for at least two touchdowns in every game this season. Mayfield really shined in a shootout against Texas Tech where he threw for 545 yards and 7 touchdowns. One thing that could hurt Mayfield is that votes could be split with his receiver Dede Westbrook. Still, just getting invited to New York is a huge honor.

Jabrill Peppers, LB, Michigan
(66 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 INT; 167 yds rush, 3 TDs; punt return TD)
Peppers is trying to become only the second primary defensive player to win the Heisman (the other was Michigan's Charles Woodson in 1997). He's been all over the field for the Wolverines as a linebacker, kick returner, punt returner, running back, receiver, etc. Though it is highly unlikely that Peppers will win the Heisman, being invited to the ceremony is special for any defensive player. The last one to do so was Notre Dame's Manti Teo in 2012.

Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
(3,914 yds pass, 37 TDs, 15 INT; 529 yds rush, 6 TD)
Watson finished third in Heisman voting last year and is the only returning finalist. If there is anyone would could pull the Heisman upset, it seems to be Watson. While Lamar Jackson and Louisville were losing their final two games of the season, Clemson looked awesome against South Carolina and Virginia Tech and won an ACC championship. Watson also beat Jackson in their head-to-head meeting and is the only Heisman finalist who will play in the College Football Playoff.

Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma
(74 receptions, 1,465 rec yards, 16 TDs)
Westbrook has been a big play guy as his touchdowns have gone for an average of 48.8 yards – simply amazing. What's even more amazing is that Westbrook was basically non-existent in the first three games of the season (just 17 receptions for 154 yards and without a single TD) and scored all of his touchdowns in his final nine games. He owns the Sooners record for receiving touchdowns in a season and has personally had more receiving yards than three FBS schools. Like Mayfield, he may suffer from having a teammate as a finalist.