Versatile players Jack, Cooper, Jackson, Fournette top Hornung watch list

Why he's here: Two seasons ago as a freshman, Jack became a household name when he slid over to the offensive side and had big success in spurts at running back for Jim Mora's team. Last season, he was second on the Bruins with 88 tackles, including 8.0 tackles for loss. He also ran for 113 yards and three TDs on 28 carries — slightly down from the 267 yards and seven scores he had in 2013.

Of note: Jack isn't the only Bruin on the list. He's joined by Ishmael Adams, a junior DB who doubles as a dynamic kick returner. On defense he returned two interceptions for TDs last season and also had a 100-yard kickoff return for a score.

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Why he's here: As a freshman last season, Jackson stepped in at cornerback, recorded 49 tackles and was second on the team with 10 pass breakups. He also made an impact on special teams (29.7 average on kickoff returns with two TDs) and offense where he played a little receiver (10 receptions, 138 yards, three TDs). Expect Steve Sarkisian to find more ways to get the ball in his hands in 2015.

Of note: Jackson is one of 11 sophomores on the watch list and one of eight Pac-12 players.

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Why he's here: Because Steve Spurrier has him doing everything on offense. Cooper's position is receiver, where he caught 69 passes for 1,136 yards and nine scores last season. But he also ran the ball (27-200-2), threw it (5 for 8, 78 yards, 2 TDs) and averaged 5.0 yards returning punts. 

Of note: In a loss to Tennessee last season, Cooper had 233 yards receiving with two TDs, ran for a score and passed for another. 

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Why he's here: A season after rushing for 1,038 yards and 14 TDs, Marshall took on a different role in 2014 for the Ducks. He still ran the ball (52 times for 392 yards), but stepped out of the backfield most the time as a receiver. He caught 74 passes (he had 14 total catches his first two seasons) for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns in proving to be a big-time weapon for Heisman-winner Marcus Mariota.

Of note: Teammate Charles Nelson also is on the list. The sophomore added a huge spark last season as a special teams sensation. He piled up 17 tackles on special teams, but also returned two punts for touchdowns, reeled in 23 passes for 327 yards and five TDs and added 101 rushing yards.

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Why he's here: Fournette arrived in Baton Rouge last season as the nation's No. 1 recruit. While it took him some time to get rolling, when he did it was obvious what he could do with the ball. He ran for 1,034 yards and 10 touchdowns and averaged 26.0 yards returning kickoffs with a touchdown.

Of note: If Fournette wins, LSU would be the first school with two Hornung winners. WR Odell Beckham Jr. won it in 2013 after catching 52 passes for 1,152 yards and eight TDs and averaging 26.4 yards on 32 kickoff returns.

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Ishmael Adams, UCLA

Budda Baker, Washington

V’Angelo Bentley, Illinois

Rashon Ceaser, Louisiana Monroe

Trevor Davis, California

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Matt Dayes, N.C. State

Cameron Echols-Luper, TCU

DeVon Edwards, Duke

Tyler Ervin, San Jose State

Autrey Golden, UTEP

Jamal Golden, Georgia Tech

Jakeem Grant, Texas Tech

Janarion Grant, Rutgers

Carlos Harris, North Texas

Carlos Henderson, Louisiana Tech

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Corey Jones, Toledo

Isaiah Jones, East Carolina

William Likely, Maryland

T.J. Logan, North Carolina

Jalin Marshall, Ohio State

Christian McCaffrey, Stanford

Elijah McGuire, Louisiana Lafayette

Isaiah McKenzie, Georgia

Ronnie Moore, Bowling Green

Teldrick Morgan, New Mexico State

Charles Nelson, Oregon

Speedy Noil, Texas A&M

Daz’Mond Patterson, Ohio

De’Mornay Pierson-El, Nebraska

James Quick, Louisville

Alex Ross, Oklahoma

R.J. Shelton, Michigan State

Ryan Switzer, North Carolina

Jahad Thomas, Temple

Jaylen Walton, Ole Miss

Shane Williams- Rhodes, Boise State

Stanley Williams, Kentucky

Myles Willis, Boston College

Dontre Wilson, Ohio State