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Colorado State linebacker Cory James received an honorable mention as a Heisman Trophy candidate in Bill Connelly's 2012 Heisman Horse Race on SBNation.com.
James had three sacks, four tackles for a loss and forced a fumble in the Rams' 22-17 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes last Saturday. As a result of his monster effort, he was named the Mountain West Conference's Defensive Player of the Week.
The odds are certainly stacked against James, as defensive players -- particularly, ones from non-BCS schools -- are rarely in the mix for the prestigious award once the end of the season rolls around. However, it is still quite an accomplishment to be on the radar at any point in the season.
The state of Colorado has not seen a Heisman Trophy winner since University of Colorado legend Rashaan Salaam won the award in 1994.
Elsewhere in the Rocky Mountain region, Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton made an appearance on the list, following his 304-yard, two-touchdown effort for the Aggies in their season-opening rout of Southern Utah.
For more on the Colorado State Rams, be sure to visit Mountain West Connection. And, for additional coverage on the Rams, Aggies, and the rest of the college pigskin world, head over to SB Nation's NCAA Football hub.