SEC Fantasy WR Ranks

1. Percy Harvin, Florida (JR)
Harvin is one of the most dangerous playmakers in all of college football. The junior receiver already owns the Florida record for most rushing yards in a career by a receiver with 1,192, along with owning 93 career receptions for 1,285 yards and six touchdowns. Additionally, Harvin is only player in Gator history to have 100 yards rushing and receiving in the same contest.  Look for much of the same from Harvin in 2008. Expect the Gators to continue giving him touches on the ground (along with plenty of receptions), and fantasy owners should expect to see an increase in receiving yards and touchdowns.

2. Kenny McKinley, South Carolina (SR)
Despite subpar quarterback play last season, McKinley grabbed 77 receptions for 968 yards and nine touchdowns. Needless to say, if the Gamecocks could get better quarterback play from Tommy Beecher, Chris Smelley or Stephen Garcia this season, this senior receiver could see a solid increase in his fantasy value. Unfortunately for McKinley, the Gamecocks still have question marks at quarterback, and fantasy owners should consider him a top 35 option with a lot of upside.

3. Julio Jones, Alabama (FR)
The graduation of D.J. Hall and Keith Brown have opened an immediate need for playmakers at the receiving position in Tuscaloosa. Jones was widely considered by the recruiting services to be the top high school receiver, along with earning Parade and USA Today All-American honors. Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban won’t hesitate to play Jones right away, and fantasy owners should consider him among the top 50 fantasy receivers – as well as one of the top keeper league options for 2009 and beyond.

4. Gerald Jones, Tennessee (SO)
This pick is based upon a lot of potential. Jones didn’t do much in the statistical column last year - catching 11 passes for 111 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 58 yards and two touchdowns. Jones is locked into a tight battle with Josh Briscoe for playing time, but this sophomore should continue to see more rushing yards while working his way into more catches. The Volunteers lacked explosive options in the receiving corps last season, and Jones would help provide an immediate spark to the passing game.

5. Lucas Taylor, Tennessee (SR)
On his way to earning All-SEC second team honors last year, Taylor finished the season third in the SEC in receiving yardage, and was the only SEC receiver to enter the bowl season with 1,000 receiving yards. With the loss of offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe to Duke, former Richmond coach Dave Clawson has been hired to call the offensive shots in Knoxville. Clawson is adding some new dimensions to the offense, but the Volunteers are also breaking in a new starting quarterback in Jonathan Crompton. Assuming Crompton steps into the starting role and performs as expected, the Volunteer offense will have another solid year through the air – and Taylor will be a fringe top 50 fantasy receiving option.

6. Rod Smith, Auburn (SR)
This former walk-on looks to be the team’s top target in 2008. The Tigers will be one of the most intriguing offenses in the SEC this season, especially with offensive coordinator Tony Franklin having a full offseason to implement his scheme. Smith is coming off his best statistical year in 2007, catching 52 passes for 705 yards and five touchdowns. With the Tigers expected to throw more in 2008, look for Smith to post career-high totals in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.

7. Dicky Lyons Jr., Kentucky (SR)
With the graduation of receivers Steve Johnson and Keenan Burton, the Wildcats will be counting on Lyons Jr. to become the top weapon for the new starting quarterback. The senior tallied 108 receptions for 1,488 yards and 16 touchdowns in his three seasons of playing time, but will move from being a complement option to being the go-to guy. Although Lyons should see more targets, the Wildcats are breaking in a new quarterback, and the offense may struggle early in the 2008 season.

8. Tavarres King, Georgia (FR)
Finding playmakers in the receiving corps is one of the top priorities for Georgia head coach Mark Richt going into the 2008 season. The Bulldogs have struggled with drops and inconsistency at this position, but there are some talented options on the depth chart. King worked his way up the depth chart in spring practice and will immediately challenge for playing time in the fall. This freshman receiver is certainly one to watch in fall practice, along with being one of the top keeper league options at this position.

9. Demetrius Byrd, LSU (SR)
Byrd came to LSU as one of the top junior college prospects in the nation and didn’t disappoint in his first season with the Tigers . In 14 contests, Byrd caught 35 passes for 621 yards and seven touchdowns. Additionally, Byrd averaged a solid 17.7 yards per reception. Although this senior receiver has big play ability each time he touches the ball, the Tigers have a lot of question marks surrounding the quarterback. With Ryan Perrilloux’s dismissal, the Tigers will turn to Andrew Hatch, Jarrett Lee or incoming freshman Jordan Jefferson for the starting nod. If one of the quarterbacks is able to settle into the job, Byrd should be higher in the fantasy receiver ranks.

10. Mike Wallace, Ole Miss (SR)
Subpar quarterback play has plagued the Rebels since Eli Manning finished up his eligibility in Oxford. However, Texas transfer Jevan Snead appears to be the answer at quarterback – and one who can provide some much-needed stability. Needless to say, Wallace is a player who will directly benefit from Snead’s continued growth at the position. This Rebel receiver led the SEC in yards per catch with 18.8 while catching six touchdown passes last season. As long as Snead settles into the position and is as good as advertised, Wallace has a chance to make a jump in the SEC fantasy receiver rankings.

11. Louis Murphy, Florida (SR)
12. Carl Moore, Florida (JR)
13. Brandon LaFell, LSU (JR)
14. Riley Cooper, Florida (JR)
15. Austin Rogers, Tennessee (JR)
16. Josh Briscoe, Tennessee (SR)
17. Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss (JR)
18. George Smith, Vanderbilt (SR)
19. A.J. Green, Georgia (FR)
20. Mike McCoy, Alabama (JR)
21. Jamayel Smith, Mississippi State (SR)
22. London Crawford, Arkansas (JR)
23. Mohamed Massaquoi, Georgia (SR)
24. Deonte Thompson, Florida (FR)
25. Sean Walker, Vanderbilt (SR)
26. James Swinton, Auburn (SR)
27. Montez Billings, Auburn (JR)
28. Kris Durham, Georgia (JR)
29. Dion Lecorn, South Carolina (SO)
30. Terrance Toliver, LSU (SO)

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