Even without Derrick Henry, Las Vegas still recognizes the recruiting power Alabama has under head coach Nick Saban.
The Las Vegas Super Book updated its Heisman odds for the 2016 season and per Johnny Detroit (professional sports handicapper), Crimson Tide sophomores Calvin Ridley and Bo Scarbrough made the list.
Too early to talk college football? Nope. Updated Heisman Trophy Odds: Deshaun Watson favored in Vegas at 5-1! pic.twitter.com/f6hqr1TA0T
— Johnny Detroit (@Johnny_Detroit) March 28, 2016
Clemson’s quarterback Deshaun Watson has the highest odds to win at 5/1, followed by LSU’s running back Leonard Fournette (6/1), Stanford’s tailback Christian McCaffrey (7/1), Oklahoma’s quarterback Baker Mayfield (10/1) and Florida State’s ball carrier Dalvin Cook (12/1).
Ridley and Scarbrough fall at Nos. 11 and 14 respectively on the chart.
Ridley, who’s odds are 30/1, is coming off a strong freshman year in 2015. He set an Alabama single-season receiving mark, posting 1,045 yards and seven touchdowns on 89 catches.
The Florida native chimed in with four 100-yard outings, including three against elite competition in the Southeastern Conference (Georgia, Arkansas and Florida).
Scarbrough, who odds are 25/1, enters next season as the Tide’s featured back. He is set to take over for the departed Derrick Henry, who rushed for 2,219 yards and 28 scores last season. The Tuscaloosa native put in 104 yards rushing and a touchdowns on 18 carries in 2015.
Scarbrough missed some time due to rehabbing from a previous knee injury and an NCAA academic suspension, yet the 230-pounder (6-foot-2) is poised to make a huge impact.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
