ESPN Big Ten Blog

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Barring a dramatic change in the next month, the Heisman Trophy will reside in Austin, Norman or Lubbock this winter. But if the hardware somehow doesn't go to a Big 12 quarterback and a running back is selected, that player likely will come out of the Big Ten.

Javon Ringer's Heisman candidacy has lost some steam, though the Michigan State back remains among the nation's top backs with Iowa's Shonn Greene and Ohio State's Chris Wells. But there's a growing movement in State College, Pa., to get Penn State sophomore Evan Royster some more love.

Royster has been tremendous in his first season as the starter, averaging better than seven yards per carry in seven of Penn State's eight games this season. He ranks 14th nationally in rushing average (111.6 ypg) and owns the best yards-per-carry average (7.7) among running backs with at least 100 rushes this season.

At least one person thinks Royster deserves more consideration for the Heisman.

"If you want to talk Heisman and you want to talk running backs, Royster should be one of the top names, no question," Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark said.

The biggest obstacle for Royster in terms of gaining national attention is his carries total. He hasn't received more than 19 carries in a game this season.

Penn State's offense also features Stephfon Green and Clark in the run game. For Royster to be a serious Heisman candidate in 2009, he'll need to take on a more featured role.

Spotlighting a player isn't exactly Penn State's forte, and it's part of the reason why the team has produced only one Heisman winner (John Cappelletti in 1973). But if Penn State feeds Royster the ball like it did Larry Johnson toward the end of the 2002 regular season, the sophomore certainly could be in the Heisman mix next year.

"He's been quiet, but he's got the job done each and every week," Clark said. "He's the total package."