Dark-horse Heisman contenders

Insider Audio: KC Joyner breaks down SEC storylines, offers SEC picks.

The past three college football campaigns have made it clear that the Heisman Trophy is no longer an award reserved just for those players who enter a season as highly touted favorites for that honor. Mark Ingram, Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III have all showed in recent seasons that it is quite possible for a sleeper candidate to pass the field and hit the Heisman finish line first under the right circumstances.

So who are some of this year's dark-horse contenders with the ability to replicate Newton and RG3's achievement? Here are seven players who could fit the bill.

Le'Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State Spartans

There are several indications that Bell could spring board this season from underrated status to Heisman contender.

To read the full list of dark-horse Heisman candidates, you must be an ESPN Insider.

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KC Joyner

NFL Insider

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• NFL and CFB analyst for ESPN Insider
• Known as "The Football Scientist"
• Uses proprietary metrics from game tape study