Early Heisman odds list includes ASU’s Benjamin, Arizona’s Tate

Arizona State running back Eno Benjamin is a long-shot but in the conversation when it comes to early 2019 Heisman Trophy odds, according to Bovada.

So too is Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate, who was a top candidate to win the Heisman going into 2018 before a relatively disappointing season.

Benjamin has +5500 odds — tied for 23rd-best in the nation — to win the trophy next season, which will be his junior campaign. It’s warranted after Benjamin produced 1,642 rushing yards, fifth-most in the NCAA, with 16 rushing touchdowns as a sophomore.

Those numbers earned him third team Associated Press All-American and first team All-Pac-12 honors.

Tate, who has +5000 odds, entered 2018 as a prime Heisman candidate after completing 62 percent of his passes for 14 touchdowns and nine picks two years ago.

More importantly, he rushed for 1,411 yards (9.2 yards per carry) and 12 touchdowns in 2017 under head coach Rich Rodriguez. But the Arizona quarterback suffered an early ankle injury in 2018 and struggled to adjust playing for first-year head coach Kevin Sumlin and new offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone.

The junior completed 56 percent of his passes for 2,530 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions while his threat as a runner took a backseat. Tate rushed just 74 times for 224 yards (3.0 yards per rush) and two touchdowns last season.

Leading the list of Heisman candidates is Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence (+300 odds), who led the Tigers to an undefeated season and national championship this year.

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm and running backs Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin), D’Andre Swift (Georgia) and Travis Etienne (Clemson) also have odds better than +1000.

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