Alabama's Bryce Young continues to rake in top honors

Bryce Young has been the most exciting quarterback in the country this season–and while just a year ago the college football world witnessed Mac jones put up unprecedented numbers–Young’s success has felt much different.

In many respects, the first-year college starter has carried a young Alabama squad that somehow finished ranked No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings after a season where the Crimson Tide were a play away from potentially missing a shot at the title all-together.

On Thursday, the Associated Press announced Bryce Young as the college football player of the year.

Young received 42 of 53 first-place votes from AP Top 25 voters and 137 points to easily finish ahead of Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (four first-place votes, 67 points) for the AP Player of the Year honor presented by Regions Bank.

Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett was third; Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. was fourth; and Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud was fifth.

While Bryce Young has his focus on winning another trophy for the Alabama Crimson Tide, he’s the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, which will be presented on Saturday in New York. Hutchinson, Pickett and Stroud are the other finalists.

Is Bryce Young lock to win Heisman Trophy?

There is no denying Michigan star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson is putting up ridiculous numbers and has earned the respect of coaches, media fans and college football follower.

Still, quarterback position has always had an edge when it comes to winning the Heisman

On3’s Senior Writer Ivan Masiel, who has covered college football for nearly four decades made Bryce Young the focal point of an in-depth column published this week. In his breakdown of every aspect that has led to Young’s success, Masiel says the Alabama passer is a lock for the Heisman.

“Time speeds up for Young,” Masiel writes. “

“He will win the Heisman not just because of the black-and-white of his numbers (314-of-462, 4,322 yards, 68.0 completion percentage, 43 touchdowns, four interceptions) but because of the gray in which he amassed them. He plays bigger than his size. He plays bigger than the moment. He plays older than his age. Always has.”

As of now, Las Vegas has Bryce Young as the runaway favorite to take home the Heisman Trophy. It looks like Nick Saban will produce another Heisman winner and the second in as many years.