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Ohio State running back JK Dobbins among preseason Heisman Trophy darkhorses

Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins runs through a drill during a practice in Columbus, Ohio, on March 6. (AP file photo)

Last season, Khalil Tate was on the short list of preseason favorites for the Heisman Trophy.

As Arizona prepares to open this season on Aug. 24 at Hawaii, the junior quarterback is a longshot.

Tate rushed for 1,411 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2017, including two games of 230 yards or more. Last season, he had only 224 yards and two scores on the ground as he dealt with a myriad of injuries, including a sprained ankle suffered in the second game that hampered him for the rest of the year.

If there was a bright spot to Tate’s season though, it was that he threw for 2,530 yards with 26 TDs against eight interceptions.

Here are other players who could be darkhorse contenders to be in New York on Dec. 14:

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JT Daniels, QB, USC

Daniels started as a freshman and struggled as the Trojans were one of last season’s disappointments. New offensive coordinator Grant Harrell may help Daniels be more productive.

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Cam Akers, RB, Florida St.

With new offensive coordinator Kendall Briles still struggling to find a quarterback, the Seminoles will be counting on Akers a lot early in the season. A top running back prospect in 2017, he averaged only 4.4 yards and had only one 100-yard game last year.

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Kelly Bryant, QB, Missouri

Bryant was also a Heisman favorite last year, but lost his starting job at Clemson and ended up transferring.

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JK Dobbins, RB, Ohio State

The junior rushed for 1,053 yards last year, but averaged only 4.6 yards per carry while sharing the backfield with quarterback Dwayne Haskins and running back Mike Webber. Dobbins could be a focal point early with the QB position in flux.

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Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

Passed for 3,567 yards with 32 touchdowns and six interceptions, 10th ranked in the nation in passing efficiency, but isn’t known by many because he’s not at a Power Five school.

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Tylan Wallace, WR, Okla. St.

Not only did the junior make many highlight-worthy catches last season, but he averaged 168 yards and two touchdowns in three games against Top 10 programs. A receiver has not won the Heisman since Michigan’s Desmond Howard in 1991.

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