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Ivan Maisel's Heisman Watch

Damien Anderson helped Northwestern to an 8-3 record in 2000. Jonathan Daniel/Allsport

Sports Illustrated college football writer Ivan Maisel will break down the Heisman race every week of the 2001 season. Here, he offers his top five preseason candidates.

1. Damien Anderson, TB, Northwestern

2000 stats: 2,063 yards, 6.6 yards per carry, 23 TDs

He's in the perfect offense for his talents. But will the Wildcats have enough defense to win games and keep him in the race?

2. Ken Simonton, TB, Oregon State

2000 stats: 1,559 yards, 5.5 yards per carry, 19 TDs

Another back in an offense well-suited for him. Simonton is so short (5-8) that if he wins, Heisman will be a lifesize replica.

3. Chris Simms, QB, Texas

2000 stats: 56.0 percent completions, 1,305 yards, 8 TDs, 11 INTs

Simms has the name recognition, the pedigree and the school to give him an opportunity to win. His resume remains filled with more potential than production.

4. Ken Dorsey, QB, Miami

2000 stats: 58.3 percent completions, 2,737 yards, 25 TDs, 5 INTs

If the Hurricanes maintain their high ranking -- which is dubious, given the road trips to Tallahassee and Blacksburg that await them, not to mention a new head coach and two new coordinators -- then Dorsey will benefit.

5. Lito Shepard, CB/WR/KR, Florida

2000 stats: six INTs (1 TD), 14.0 yards per punt return (2 TDs), 22.9 yards per punt return

He's the best three-platoon player in the country and he's playing on a team expected to contend for the national championship.