ESPN.com puts Moniz on Heisman watch list

Bryant Moniz of the University of Hawaii is one of eight quarterbacks that ESPN.com lists among its contenders for the 2011 Heisman Trophy in postings on its website today.

ESPN lists quarterbacks in four categories, including "system QBs" where Moniz is classified.

ESPN says, "Moniz has the table set for a run at the Heisman Trophy after a monster 2010 campaign. Last season, Moniz passed for 5,040 yards and threw 39 touchdowns against only 15 interceptions. All three of those figures bettered the numbers Colt Brennan put up at Hawaii in 2007, when he finished third in Heisman voting. Hawaii will start its season against Pac-12 foes Colorado and Washington, giving Moniz an opportunity to put himself on the radar early. He’ll have at least two other national TV games later in the year. 

"However, Moniz has obstacles to overcome to put himself into Heisman consideration. Last season he was sacked 38 times, sixth-most in the NCAA. Hawaii also lost three of its top four receivers, including Greg Salas, who was drafted by the Denver Broncos. 

"The biggest obstacle for Moniz is whether this "system guy" will get any consideration at all. The last BCS non-AQ conference player to win a Heisman Trophy was BYU’s Ty Detmer in 1990, shortly after Moniz was born."