ESPN names Lamar Jackson a 'sleeper Heisman candidate'

The Lamar Jackson hype continues to build, with the latest movement being ESPN naming the sophomore QB as their "Heisman sleeper candidate" from the ACC.

ACC: Louisville QB Lamar Jackson

Jackson is already in elite company as one of only three quarterbacks to both throw and rush for 200 yards in a bowl game. The other two flanking Louisville's sophomore quarterback: 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel and Vince Young, the 2005 runner-up. Louisville coach Bobby Petrino has finally settled on the dual-threat star, and Jackson could reward Petrino's trust by becoming the midseason Heisman favorite in 2016. Louisville hosts Florida State on Sept. 17 and travels to Clemson two weeks later; both opponents should be ranked in the preseason top five. Jackson can then feast on a soft five-game stretch in the middle of the season, building his numbers before making a final case at Houston on Nov. 17. Jackson and the Cardinals will have a chance to knock off three preseason playoff contenders and quite possibly a fourth in the ACC championship game. — Jared Shanker

The story also has Lamar getting a little bit of love on the front page of ESPN.com right now.

Thirteen weeks is a long time.