Da’Shawn Hand, defensive end, Alabama
Before you scream “SEC bias!” know we’re aware Hand hasn’t played a ton in his three years at Alabama. During this stretch of time, he managed to tally just 43 tackles and six sacks. Hardly numbers that scream Heisman.
But we’re also aware he didn’t play much because he was playing behind All-American Jonathan Allen, now a first-round pick of the Washington Redskins. Now that Allen is gone, look for Hand to step up as the dominant force on Alabama’s defensive line.
“Da’Shawn’s come a long way,” said Allen, via ESPN’s Edward Aschoff. “That’s my dog right there, and I’m excited to see what he does, and I’m excited for his future.”
The 6-foot-4, 280-pound lineman is explosive and quick enough to make big plays both inside and outside on the line. He’ll be unleashed in a big way as a full-time starter this upcoming season, one that should see him earning All-American honors, if not some Heisman votes.