ACC Fantasy WR Ranks

1.Aaron Kelly, Clemson (SR)
Clemson fans may remember Kelly’s dropped pass against Boston College (which cost the Tigers a shot at the ACC title), but this Tiger was a solid fantasy player last year. In 13 contests, Kelly grabbed 88 receptions for 1,081 yards and 11 touchdowns. His 11 touchdowns were a significant improvement over the five he compiled in his two previous seasons. Expect another solid season by the senior receiver, especially with the return of quarterback Cullen Harper.

2.Eron Riley, Duke (SR)
The hire of David Cutcliffe as the Blue Devils head coach should spark an offense that struggled to average 18 points per game last year. In addition to exciting a sluggish fanbase, quarterback Thaddeus Lewis and Riley should be quite pleased with this hire. Although Riley has only 83 receptions in his career, the senior has averaged 20.7 yards per reception while scoring 14 touchdowns. Lewis has shown steady progress each year, and this should be the most productive Blue Devil offense in recent memory. Expect Riley to post career highs in receptions and receiving yards.

3.Preston Parker, Florida State (JR)
Due to an off-the-field arrest after the 2007 season, Parker is suspended for the first two games of the season. Although the junior will miss the first two games of 2008, fantasy owners should still consider him a top 75 receiving option. In 2006, Parker caught two passes for 26 yards but significantly increased his production to 62 receptions for 791 yards and three touchdowns last season. In addition to his success at receiver last year, injuries at running back forced Parker to play in the backfield and he responded with 133 yards on the ground against Maryland and 270 on the season. The Seminole coaching staff knows Parker is the team’s most explosive playmaker and will look to get the ball in his hands as much as possible.

4.Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina (JR)
Butch Davis has raised expectations in his second season in Chapel Hill, and the Tar Heels should be considered a contender for a bowl bid in 2008. Nicks was selected as a preseason First-Team All-ACC receiver by Athlon Sports and the junior is a top 75 performer at his position. Look for continued improvement from the Tar Heel passing attack, especially as quarterback T.J. Yates continues to progress in his second season as a starter. Nicks caught 74 passes for 958 yards and five touchdowns last year and a similar output appears likely this season.

5.Greg Carr, Florida State (SR)
Considering 23 percent of Carr’s career 109 catches have gone for touchdowns, there is little doubt this senior receiver is one of the best touchdown threats in college football. However, Carr has frustrated the Florida State coaching staff with his lack of consistency - but some of the blame for any of the Seminole receiving struggles has to sit with inconsistent quarterback or shaky offensive line play. Look for Carr to total around 800 receiving yards and seven to ten touchdowns – but improved quarterback play will be the key to Carr’s week-to-week fantasy value. 

6.Rich Gunnell, Boston College (JR)
No Matt Ryan equals a decrease in fantasy value for Gunnell and teammate Brandon Robinson in 2008. In 14 contests last season, Gunnell caught 64 passes for 931 yards and seven touchdowns – which were career best numbers. New quarterback Chris Crane has some ability, but isn’t likely to post Ryan-like statistics in 2008. Consider Gunnell a waiver wire pickup in 2008.

7.Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland (JR)
Heyward-Bey is one of the most talented receivers in the ACC, but his fantasy value is downgraded due to a big question mark at the quarterback position. In his first two seasons on campus, the 6’2” playmaker has grabbed 96 receptions for 1,480 yards and eight touchdowns – including a 96-yard touchdown catch against Miami in 2006. Unless the Terrapins can successfully sort out their quarterback, it’s hard to imagine this junior cracking the top 50 of fantasy receivers.

8.Greg Smith, Georgia Tech (JR)
New Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson has made a few significant offensive changes in Atlanta and fantasy owners shouldn’t expect huge reception totals from the receivers in 2008. Although none of the receivers will provide much in the way of receptions, Smith is worth watching due to his potential rushing yardage. During the spring, the junior spent time as one of the B-backs in Johnson’s new offense. Smith is a darkhorse, but worth a look if his rushing yardage is solid early in the year.

9.Kevin Ogletree, Virginia (JR)
A torn ACL kept Ogletree off the field last season, and the Cavalier coaching staff hopes he can quickly regain his form in 2008. The 6’2” receiver caught 52 passes for 582 yards and four touchdowns in 2006. However, fantasy owners shouldn’t much of an increase this season. Quarterback Jameel Sewell is no longer on the team due to academic issues, and Peter Lalich is only entering his sophomore season with limited experience. Expect Ogletree to be the Cavaliers’ number one option, but he’s likely a limited fantasy prospect.

10.Brandon Robinson, Boston College (SR)
Robinson experienced a breakout season in 2007, but won’t equal those statistics in 2008. Quarterback Matt Ryan has moved onto the NFL and Chris Crane is expected to begin the year as the starter. Crane isn’t a bad player, but the Boston College offense will take a step backwards in 2008. Consider Robinson a one week pickup or for an ACC league option only.

11.Tyler Grisham, Clemson (SR)
12.Jordan Williams, Wake Forest (SO)
13.Corey Surrency, Florida State (JR)
14.Aldarius Johnson, Miami (FR)
15.Donald Bowens, N.C. State (JR)
16.Brandon Dillard, Virginia Tech (JR)
17.Jacoby Ford, Clemson (JR)
18.Dwight Jones, North Carolina (FR)
19.Chip Brinkman, Wake Forest (SR)
20.Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech (SO)
21.Brandon Tate, North Carolina (SR)
22.Demir Boldin, Wake Forest (SR)
23.Sam Shields, Miami (JR)
24.Ike Whitaker, Virginia Tech (JR)
25.Isaiah Williams, Maryland (SR)
26.Xavier Dye, Clemson (SO)
27.Taiwan Easterling, Florida State (FR)
28.Brooks Foster, North Carolina (SR)
29.Clarence Megwa, Boston College (JR)
30.Jarvis Williams, N.C. State (SO)