Mike Davis: Heisman?

If you had told Gamecock fans back in 2010 that Marcus Lattimore would never make it to the Heisman Trophy presentation in New York City, many would have thought you were crazy.

If you had told them that Lattimore’s successor might have a better chance of making it to the Big Apple, they would have known you were crazy.

But here we are, with the 2014 season less than two months away, and Mike Davis is garnering serious preseason consideration as a potential finalist for college football’s top honor. Here are the arguments for and against South Carolina’s first Heisman winner since 1980.

The Case For Mike Davis:

1. Experience 

With the 2014 season less than two months away, Gamecocks RB Mike Davis is garnering serious preseason consideration as a potential finalist for college football’s top honor.

It seems hard to believe, but Davis is a junior and has a full season as an SEC starter under his belt. After a brief apprenticeship under Lattimore, Davis became one of the main ball carriers towards the end of 2012 before seizing the starting role in 2013. After nearly two seasons as South Carolina’s main tailback, Davis should have a firm grip on the offense.

2. Need

The departure of Connor Shaw doesn’t just mean South Carolina must replace a great arm. One of Shaw’s greatest strengths was his ability to gain yards on the ground. While Dylan Thompson may be a superior pocket passer, he does not have Shaw’s mobility. With the quarterback less likely to run, the Gamecocks will turn to Davis, who only recorded 20+ carries three times last year, to eat up more rushing yards.

3. Explosiveness

Davis averaged at least five yards per carry in eight of his 12 games last season. Faster than Lattimore, Davis has the ability to break the big run if given a hole. Combine that with his four games of over 10 yards per reception in 2013 and you have a big-play threat who is capable of producing “Heisman moments” at any time during a game. Look for the Gamecocks to turn to Davis late in crucial games this year.

The Case Against Mike Davis:

1. Injury

Davis rushed for over 100 yards in six of his first seven games last year, tallying 11 touchdowns in that span. After suffering a leg injury against Missouri, he only eclipsed the 100-yard mark one time in the final four games and scored just one touchdown. Whether or not he has fully recovered will go a long way towards determining what type of year the junior has.

2. Fumbles

Four fumbles in two seasons doesn’t seem like a lot, but Steve Spurrier has no patience for turnovers. Davis had a crucial fumble on the goal line against Missouri and coughed up the ball twice in that game, although he made up for it with 99 receiving yards on 10 catches. Spurrier will be reluctant to put the ball in Davis’s hands if he’s worried about turnovers.

3. Legacy

No matter what Davis does, he will always be the guy who replaced Marcus Lattimore. Emerging from the shadow of the school’s all-time touchdown leader is no small task. In many respects, Davis is a more complete runner than Lattimore. However, Marcus’s impact on the school is immeasurable and it could be difficult for another Gamecock tailback to garner the love and adoration that Lattimore received.