ACC Fantasy QB Rankings

1. Cullen Harper, Clemson (SR)
In his first season as a full-time starter, Harper led the ACC in passing efficiency  and threw 27 touchdowns against six interceptions. With the Tigers returning receivers Aaron Kelly and Tyler Grisham, Harper looks poised to have another solid season. The senior quarterback should be able to approach the 30 touchdown mark, along with throwing for over 3,000 yards.

2. Thaddeus Lewis, Duke (JR)
The Blue Devils are showing some signs of life and with David Cutcliffe taking over, fantasy owners have to like Lewis’ potential in 2008. After throwing 11 touchdowns in his freshman season, Lewis tossed 21 last season and cut his interception total by six. With Cutcliffe’s coaching and the return of receiver Eron Riley, Lewis should emerge as a top 50 fantasy quarterback in 2008.

3. Riley Skinner, Wake Forest (JR)
Skinner is not going to wow anyone in the numbers department, but his leadership and ability to direct the Demon Deacon offense is what makes him one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC – but remains a shaky fantasy option. In his career, Skinner has thrown for only 21 touchdowns and the Demon Deacons lose top receiver Kenneth Moore to graduation. This junior quarterback is best suited as a spot start fantasy player.

4. T.J. Yates, North Carolina (SO)
The Tar Heels enter 2008 with high expectations and Yates is expected to take the next step in his development as a starting quarterback. Last season, Yates threw more interceptions (18) than touchdowns (14) and missed all of spring practice with shoulder surgery – which should be a concern for fantasy owners. Yates doesn’t hold much value in leagues with all 120 teams, but should improve upon last season’s numbers.

5. Josh Nesbitt, Georgia Tech (SO)
Change is in the air at Georgia Tech and Nesbitt is expected to be the new signal-caller for Paul Johnson’s run-first offense. While at Navy, Johnson orchestrated some of the nation’s top rushing attacks and Nesbitt has the speed and mobility to succeed in this scheme. Considering the offense is still under development with the Yellow Jackets, look for Nesbitt to have some growing pains – however there is also a lot of upside with this pick.

6. Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech (SO)
There’s no question Taylor is the more dynamic Hokie quarterback, but Sean Glennon continues to hold a lead going into fall practice. Taylor totaled 11 touchdowns in limited action last season and figures to be the change of pace quarterback in 2008 – barring injury to Glennon. Owners in keeper leagues would be wise to value the sophomore quarterback a little higher in the ACC rankings, but don’t expect much week-to-week value in 2008.

7. Drew Weatherford, Florida State (SR)
A knee injury in the spring derailed Weatherford from locking down the starting job, while his absence opened the door for sophomore Christian Ponder. Weatherford has thrown 39 touchdowns to 32 interceptions in his career, but started to play his best football at the end of last season. The senior quarterback has been inconsistent throughout his career, but if he can hold off Ponder and pickup where he left off last season – there will be improvement from the Seminole offense.

8. Robert Marve, Miami (FR)
After watching Kyle Wright and Kirby Freeman struggle mightily over the last couple of seasons, the Hurricane faithful are ready for a change. Out of high school, Marve was rated as a four-star recruit and may have contended for playing time last season, until a serious hand injury forced him to redshirt. The ‘Canes are hoping Marve lives up to his potential, but fantasy owners should consider him a keeper league option at this point.

9. Chris Crane, Boston College (SR)
Replacing Matt Ryan is no easy task, but Crane enters the season as the Eagles starting quarterback. The senior has game experience - which includes a start against Buffalo in 2006. Although Ryan proved to be a nice fantasy player last season, owners shouldn’t place too much value on Crane going into 2008. Crane needs to show he can be an effective player over the course of a season and can post similar passing totals to Ryan’s 2007 numbers in order to be an option in 2008.

10. Sean Glennon, Virginia Tech (SR)
Glennon was the source of criticism after a rough 2006 season, but the veteran quarterback bounced back in 2007, throwing 12 touchdowns to five interceptions. Glennon and teammate Tyrod Taylor are locked in a battle for the starting job, but expect this to be a two quarterback system in 2008. Glennon brings leadership and stability to the table and appears unlikely to make much of a fantasy impact this season.

11.Chris Turner, Maryland (JR)
12.Christian Ponder, Florida State (SO)
13.Russell Wilson, NC State (FR)
14.Peter Lalich, Virginia   (SO)
15.Jordan Steffy, Maryland (SR)
16.Daniel Evans, NC State (SR)
17.Willy Korn, Clemson (FR)
18.Mike Paulus, North Carolina (FR)
19.Josh Portis, Maryland (JR)
20.E.J. Manuel, Florida State (FR)

Del.icio.us | Digg it | Athlon Sports RSS Feeds