The SEC doesn’t dominate Heisman Trophies the way it picks up national championships. But the conference has snagged three of the past five Heismans: Cam Newton (2010), Mark Ingram (2009) and Tim Tebow (2007).

This year's top contenders hail from outside the SEC, as USC quarterback Matt Barkley, Wisconsin running back Montee Ball and Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson are the odds-on favorites.

Still, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the SEC make it four out of six. Here are five guys who can do it:

Georgia QB Aaron Murray: The junior threw for 3,149 yards and 35 touchdowns last season and is on pace to break several UGA and SEC passing records. Along with terrific leadership skills, Murray’s ability to extend plays by scrambling sets him apart. Murray still has a lot to prove – to Bulldogs fans and NFL scouts alike. He must cut down on his turnovers, which seem to come at the worst possible time. Murray’s miscues contributed to Bulldogs’ losses to South Carolina, LSU and Michigan State.  

South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore: Steve Spurrier has made it clear he’ll ride Lattimore as long as he can. Lattimore carried 412 times in 1 ½ seasons before tearing a knee ligament. Now healthy, the bruising 232-pounder with uncanny vision has scored 30 touchdowns while averaging just under 5 yards per carry. Like Murray, Lattimore would boost his candidacy by lifting his team to the SEC East title.

Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson: The presence of another Heisman candidate on the Razorbacks, running back Knile Davis, could siphon votes away from Wilson. But the 6-3, 220-pounder, who led the SEC with 3,638 passing yards last season, should be in the mix. Especially if wideout  Cobi Hamilton and tight end Chris Gragg continue developing, helping Arkansas replace three receivers who went to the NFL.

LSU DB Tyrann Mathieu: Charles Woodson in 1997 was the last defensive player to win the award. If anyone can break that streak, it’s the Honey Badger. In 26 career games, he has forced 11 fumbles, recovered eight fumbles, intercepted four passes and returned two punts for touchdowns. He was a Heisman finalist last season, finishing fifth.

Missouri QB James Franklin: HeismanPundit.com expects Franklin to go over 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards, with good reason. He came close last year while accounting for 36 touchdowns in his first season as a starter. Though Franklin underwent offseason shoulder surgery, he’s expected to be 100 percent for the season opener. The Tigers’ SEC opener against Georgia on Sept. 8 is Franklin’s chance to vault into the race.

Other SEC Heisman candidates: Alabama RB Eddie Lacy, Arkansas RB Knile Davis, Tennessee QB Tyler Bray, Texas A&M RB Christine Michael.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Daniel Lewis and Larry Hartstein, follow @CBSSportsSEC.