Tennessee's John Henderson is a Heisman long shot.

A dominant cover cornerback won't get as many opportunities to shine because teams will stay away from him. So what Woodson did was remarkable; he entered the 1997 season with everyone knowing he shouldn't be challenged. Yet he used his all-around talent to win the Heisman anyway.

The only way for a defensive player to get serious Heisman consideration would be if he were a cornerback, like Woodson, who also played offense. And players like that don't appear every year. Defensive linemen and linebackers are unlikely to play any other position.

Someone who just plays defense will get Heisman votes only if he is a dominant sack artist, like Hugh Green, who played defensive end for Pitt and was the Heisman runner-up to George Rogers in 1980. That said, following are five defensive players I believe have the best chance to get Heisman votes this season.

John Henderson, DT, Tennessee
Henderson is probably the favorite to win the Lombardi Award as the nation's outstanding lineman. He is a great defensive tackle with size (6-7, 290), explosiveness, ball-location skills and quickness. He has it all. He may be the best defensive lineman the Vols have produced since Reggie White.

Kalimba Edwards, DE, South Carolina
He will be coming off the edge a lot, so he has a chance for lots of sacks and hurries. Edwards can go sideline to sideline and make plays.

Dwight Freeney, DE, Syracuse
Last season Freeney had 4½ sacks against Michael Vick, one of the most mobile QBs to ever play the game. That's all you need to know about Freeney. He had 13 sacks in seven games before missing the final four with a spleen injury. If he can perform the same way consistently, he can gain a reputation early in the year.

Bryan Knight, DE, Pittsburgh
Coming off the edge for the Panthers, he will need tons of sacks. Plus, he's on a bubble team.