Justice Hill should be a Heisman favorite in 2018|OSU Hot Topics|Team BattleGround|College BattleGround

The college football season is among us. Oklahoma State kicks their season off on Aug. 31 against Tulsa. A lot of focus gets put on the season at hand. However, the Pokes have a few young stars that will headline the 2018 roster.

Sophomore running back Justice Hill is one of those young stars. When Mason Rudolph and James Washington run out of eligibility, the next wave of offensive stars will be called on.

Hill showed growth mentally and physically through spring practice and summer workouts, the O’Colly’s Marshall Scott said.

The next starting quarterback after Rudolph for Oklahoma State remains a mystery. Hill is one of the sure things that Mike Gundy and offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich have.

Rudolph is the only Cowboy listed among the favorites for the Heisman Trophy in 2017, according to Odds Shark. Hill would need a significant jump in his stat line to be considered for the award this year.

The expansion of Hill’s role in 2018 would be the biggest reason for a Heisman campaign. Hill eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark as a freshman and should be even better in 2017.

He’s a good change-of-pace from the high-powered Oklahoma State passing attack. Moreover, Hill is the clear-cut starter. With junior Jeff Carr and freshman Chuba Hubbard, among others, competing for the backup job, Hill will receive the heaviest workload.

With Hill in the spotlight, he’ll have the opportunity to establish himself as a dark horse candidate for the Heisman in 2018. Hill would need another 1,000 yard season with at least 10 touchdowns this season to show he’s a legitimate Heisman contender.

Other Big 12 players that could compete for the Heisman Trophy in 2018 include Texas quarterback Shane Buechele, West Virginia quarterback Will Grier, and Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray. Hill would be the best option for the Heisman among Big 12 running backs that are projected to return in 2018.