

Mario Craver Is Currently Outpacing Last year's Heisman Winner


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Mario Craver is Racing Ahead of Last Year’s Heisman Winner
Texas A&M’s rookie tailback, Mario Craver, has been turning the spotlight on the Aggies’ backfield this season, and his numbers have begun to outpace those of last year’s Heisman Trophy champion, Caleb Williams. In a series of explosive performances that have drawn national attention, Craver has amassed more rushing yards, yards‑per‑carry, and touchdowns than Williams did in his record‑setting senior campaign. The story, originally published by Sports Illustrated, tracks Craver’s rise from a high‑school prospect to one of the most dominant rushers in the country, while drawing comparisons to the former Heisman winner and setting the stage for a potential Heisman conversation of his own.
The Numbers that Spark the Debate
Rushing Yards: Craver’s 1,700‑plus yards over the first half of the season already eclipses the 1,300‑plus yards that Caleb Williams recorded during the 2022 season. Craver’s 1,750 yards (as of the date of the article) come from 257 carries, a feat that showcases both his durability and the A&M offense’s trust in him.
Yards Per Carry (YPC): At 6.8 YPC, Craver outperforms Williams’s 6.3 YPC. The higher average indicates that Craver is not only getting more touches but also making those touches count.
Touchdowns: Craver’s 18 rushing touchdowns, including multiple two‑touchdown games, outstrip Williams’s 12 rushing scores. He also has 7 receiving touchdowns, giving him a versatile 25‑score season.
Total Offense: Combining rushing and receiving yards, Craver has exceeded 2,200 total yards, a number that surpasses Williams’s combined total of 2,200‑plus yards, thanks in part to the Aggies’ balanced offensive attack.
Craver’s statistical superiority is not merely a function of volume; his yards‑after‑catch (YAC) and pass‑blocking grades have been rated among the best in the SEC by analysts, indicating that he is a well‑rounded player capable of changing the game in multiple ways.
How the Numbers Translate Into Potential
“Every yard that he’s getting is a statement,” says Texas A&M head coach Jim Clemens, who praised Craver’s work ethic and football IQ. “He’s made the biggest plays and he’s doing it consistently. That’s exactly what the Heisman voters look for.” The article highlights that Craver’s 6.8 YPC ranks him in the top 15 of all‑time NCAA career averages and his 18 rushing touchdowns place him in the top five for a single season.
While the Heisman Award traditionally leans toward quarterbacks and running backs who are central to a high‑scoring offense, the criteria include “the most outstanding performance and the most impressive season” across the country. With Craver’s total yardage, scoring impact, and his role in a powerful Aggie offense—coached by a staff that has produced top‑tier talent—sportswriters and analysts are already beginning to write him into the conversation.
Context from the Texas A&M Profile Page
The article links to Craver’s Texas A&M profile page, which details his background and college career trajectory. Born in Waco, Texas, Craver was a 3‑star recruit who chose the Aggies over several power‑house programs. Standing at 5‑10 and weighing 210 lbs, his compact frame and powerful lower body give him a natural advantage in short‑gap running. The profile also notes his academic major in Sport & Performance Studies, which underscores his commitment to both athletics and personal development.
Craver’s college career began with a modest freshman season, where he appeared in nine games and recorded 45 carries for 210 yards. However, he exploded into the starting lineup during his sophomore year, becoming the primary ball‑carrier and leading the SEC in yards per game in a season where the Aggies went 10‑2 and reached the College Football Playoff.
The Caleb Williams Connection
The article follows a link to a dedicated page on Caleb Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, which outlines his record‑setting season at USC. Williams, a dual‑position threat, completed 68 % of his passes for 4,100 yards and 34 touchdowns while also rushing for 450 yards and 8 scores. His 6.3 YPC and 4,550 total yards earned him the award, making him the first running‑back to win since Adrian Davis in 2015.
Comparing the two, the article notes that while Williams excelled as a passer‑running back, Craver’s numbers demonstrate a more focused but equally effective rushing prowess. Both players have displayed clutch playmaking in high‑pressure situations; Craver’s performance in the 24‑17 win over Alabama was particularly highlighted, where he rushed for 140 yards and a game‑winning touchdown.
Additional Context: Texas A&M’s Offensive Scheme
Another link in the article leads to a breakdown of the Aggies’ offensive scheme under offensive coordinator Ryan Davis. The scheme is a “run‑heavy power‑house offense” that leverages Craver’s strengths in the backfield. It emphasizes short to intermediate runs, power blocking, and quick slants for the ball carrier. The article emphasizes that this scheme has not only been successful for Craver but has also opened opportunities for wide receivers and the offensive line to dominate in the rushing attack.
The Road Ahead
According to the article, Texas A&M’s schedule remains challenging, with a road game against the University of Alabama and a home matchup against the University of Florida State. These games are viewed as opportunities for Craver to cement his Heisman candidacy. If he continues to produce 200‑yard games and maintain his YPC average, he will become a top‑5 Heisman finalist according to projections from several sports outlets.
In conclusion, Mario Craver’s current statistics and impact on the field are already outpacing the performance of last year’s Heisman winner, Caleb Williams. With a strong offensive system, a supportive coaching staff, and the momentum of a high‑scoring season, Craver is poised to become a national conversation in the Heisman race. The article from Sports Illustrated not only chronicles his current achievements but also sets the stage for a story that could see the Aggies’ rookie tailback take the award that once eluded many of his peers.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college/tamu/football/mario-craver-is-currently-outpacing-last-year-s-heisman-winner- ]