NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: Running back Derrick Henry of the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks to the media during a press conference prior to the 2015 Heisman Trophy Presentation at the Marriott Marquis on December 12, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Well, first things first… I was way off! The last time a Heisman was given to a non-QB was 2009 and that was to running back Reggie Bush, who later returned the prestigious award. For the next five years, it’s been straight quarterbacks from there:

2010: Cam Newton

2011: Robert Griffin III

2012: Johnny Manziel

2013: Jameis Winston

2014: Marcus Mariota

One can never be too sure of the future, but I was 100 and ten percent (and then some) sure that the Heisman would go to Clemson quarterback, Deshaun Watson. After all, Watson is leading the #1 team in the country that is undefeated after the regular season. So, naturally, I thought that might pull his name to the top. Or maybe I’m possibly biased because of my past athletic status in the ACC?

I told the ACC Digital Network Producer, Andy Siegel, that it would be nice to see a different position winning the Heisman seeing that it’s been a five-year streak with a QB. All the while, I was thinking that there was no way it was actually going to happen.

GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 18: Melvin Gordon #28 of the San Diego Chargers gets the ball punched away as Mike Neal #96 of the Green Bay Packers reaches across in the first quarter at Lambeau Field on October 18, 2015 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The regular college football season is wrapping up and the Heisman winner will be announced Saturday. Nonetheless, it is that time of year where the transition from college to NFL conversation starts to come about. Despite the statistics recorded in college, it is never an easy jump to the next level. But, certain former college stars have had much tougher time making the transition than others. Here's a look at my top NFL Rookie 'Strugglers', the moment it went wrong, and which college teammate will prove their school still has NFL worth. 

1. Melvin Gordon, RB, San Diego Chargers

The Chargers traded to move up two positions to select the Wisconsin product at 15th overall in the 2015 Draft. Gordon was supposed to come and make an immediate impact for San Diego but has failed to do so. His game high rushing stats is at a mere 88 yards with 14 carries – and that was in week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Other than that, the running back hasn’t made much of an impact. However, his struggles have a lot to do with the fact that he is playing with elite quarterback, Philip Rivers, who has 3,713 passing yards this season not allowing much room for Gordon to get involved.

When we saw it go wrong: Melvin Gordon experienced his first time being benched after two fumbles against the Green Bay Packers. He was benched again later in the season for fumbling against the Denver Broncos. He has fumbled six times this year with four of them causing turnovers. He left college carrying the ball 631 times for 4,915 yards and 45 rushing touchdowns with only 1 career fumble! In simple terms… The struggle is real.

College teammate that will show school’s NFL worth: Do not give up hope Badger fans! While Gordon is having trouble holding on to the ball, Joe Schobert is forcing the ball out of opposing offenses' hands. The senior outside linebacker has gone from walk-on to absolute star. His 9.5 sacks, 78 tackles, and 5 forced fumbles helped him earn Big Ten Linebacker of the Year. While RB and former back up to Gordon, Corey Clement, has struggled to stay on the field due to off-field incidents, let's look forward to seeing Schobert reach his full potential in the NFL.

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Wide receiver Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders makes the reception against strong safety Andrew Sendejo #34 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on November 15, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

As we head into the final stretch of the football season and with the Heisman award being announced Saturday, it’s been a promising year for some college stars. Nevertheless, they have had plenty of NFL rookies to look to for aspiration in getting to the next level. Here’s my top rookies that continued their college stardom as a professional, the moment we knew it would happen, and their former college teammates that are following their footsteps.

1. Amari Cooper, WR, Oakland Raiders

The former Alabama standout and No. 4 all around pick in the 2015 NFL Draft has vicariously rose to fame with the Oakland Raiders. He flashed promised in the first preseason game against the St. Louis Rams with three receptions for 22 yards. He reiterated himself as a threat to opposing defenses in week 7’s dominant 35-29 win over the San Diego Chargers, where he averaged 26.6 yards per catch totaling 133 yards and 1 touchdown. The 3-time Pepsi Rookie of the week has received the highest first round grade for a non-QB by NFL media analyst Daniel Jeremiah. He is now on his way to be a 1,000 yard receiver for the Raiders. With both size and speed, this season the WR has already had three 100-yard games. It might be hard for him to make a Pro Bowl this year but he is a clear cut candidate for Rookie of the Year.

When we first knew he’d be a star: Once Cooper dropped his bags off at Bryant-Denny stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, it didn't take long for him to get to work. Freshman year he had 59 receptions for 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns which broke the 62-year old record previously held by Al Lary. The rest of his college career he became known as the "Uncoverable Wide Receiver". 

College Teammate that’s following his footsteps: Alabama Running Back, Derrick Henry, may not be catching as many touchdowns as Cooper but he's certainly running them in. Henry, a junior this year, came into the season as a first time starter and now leads the nation with 1,797 yards, averaging 149.8 yards per carry which is third in the country. His 22 rushing touchdowns are the nation’s best and a school record with just two away from breaking Tim Tebow’s SEC record. Taking home both the Maxwell and Doak Walker Award at the CFB awards night, word on the street is this RB is edging out his competitors for the Heisman. If Alabama can clinch the CFP Championship title, no doubt Henry will follow the footsteps of Cooper and declare early for the draft.