Pac-10 Fantasy WR Ranks

1. Mike Thomas, Arizona (SR)
In 2007, Thomas led the Pac-10 in receptions per game (6.9), receiving touchdowns (11) and scoring by a wide receiver (72 pts). He was second in receiving yards (B. Gibson). Thomas should improve his numbers in 2008 once again. In what should be a very explosive offense, Thomas is the top playmaker for maturing quarterback Willie Tuitama. 

2. Brandon Gibson, Washington State (SR)
With a returning starter at quarterback, the senior from Puyallup, Wash. would have been the number one receiving option in this conference. That is not the case for the Cougars so he lands at two. New quarterback Gary Rogers is, however, an experienced upper classman. Also, new head coach Paul Wulff had openly stated that the Cougars will be throwing the ball a lot in ’08. Music to Brandon Gibson’s ears.

3. Jaison Williams, Oregon (SR)
Arguably the most physically gifted wide receiver in the Pac-10 – possibly the nation – Williams has yet to experience a breakout season. In fact, Williams reception and yards totals dropped from 2006 to 2007. Coaches are looking for more focus and consistency from the big 6-5, 240-pounder. If he can consistently make the tough catches – and the Ducks find a solid option at quarterback – Williams could put up huge numbers.

4. Mike Jones, Arizona State (SR)
Jones’ ten receiving touchdowns were second to only rival Wildcat Mike Thomas’ 11. Jones led the Pac-10 in touchdowns-per-reception. Every fifth catch (4.6 rec/TD) Jones made in ’07 was in the end zone. Much like every aspect of the potentially high-powered Sun Devil attack, Jones’ fantasy success hinges on the play of the offensive line. If they can keep Rudy Carpenter upright, Jones could see a significant increase in production.

5. Sammie Stroughter, Oregon State (SR)
The former All-American return man and Oregon State poster boy of two years ago is back. Hopefully. After a stellar sophomore campaign where he led the Pac-10 with 1,293 yards and added three punt return scores, Stroughter hit a stretch of misfortune that almost caused the young receiver to quit the game. He was not the same player last season until a lacerated kidney ended his season in the fourth game against Arizona State. If the lightning quick athlete reverts to his old self, fantasy owners will be very happy.
6. James Rodgers, Oregon State (SO)
The diminutive (5’7”) receiver saved his best performance for last in 2007. In the final game of his freshman year, Rodgers had his single best game of his young career. A career best five receptions and his first trip to paydirt helped push the Beavers over the Maryland Terrapins in the Emerald Bowl. Expect the quick-footed receiver to build on that bowl performance, with rushing and receiving yardage. Rodgers could also be a threat in the rushing attack as he had 586 yards and three scores on the ground last season as well.

7. Vidal Hazelton, USC (JR)
Hazelton is uber-talented and the leading returning receiver for the Trojans. Hazelton has struggled with consistency over his career in Southern California, and the Trojan coaches would like to see him play up to his potential on every play. After a solid, yet unimpressive, 50-540-4 season, Vidal has put himself in a spot to take a hold of the top receiving slot in L.A. The physical gifts are clear, he just needs to go out and execute.

8. Patrick Turner, USC (SR)
SEE VIDAL HAZELTON (minus the leading returning receiver part). Turner is as talented as any wide receiver in the nation but struggled with drop passes and mental focus. As the elder statesman of the group, Turner can no longer afford to struggle with the simple plays. He needs to be a difference maker for the Trojans in ’08.

9. David Ausberry, USC (SO)
The third leading returning receiver for the Trojans is a mountain of an athlete on the outside. Ausberry is an athlete with skills eerily similar to that of former USC pass catcher Mike Williams. His massive frame and superior athletic ability may actually make him the best wideout on this roster by the end of the season. Expect an upswing from last season’s 26-240-2 stat line.

10. Ronald Johnson, USC (SO)
RoJo is the wildcard for the Men of Troy. While Ausberry, Turner and Hazelton are bigger, more physical targets who all play a similar brand of football, Johnson is the burner. RoJo will be the deep threat for Mark Sanchez, and could end up as the top scoring option of the Trojan passing attack. The Michigan native uses blazing speed to beat coverages on a regular basis. Former Ohio State Buckeye Santanio Holmes is a strong comparison – not good news for Pac-10 defensive coordinators.

11. Chris McGaha, Arizona State (JR)
12. Lareyelle Cunningham, California (SR)
13. De’Andre Goodwin, Washington (SO
14. Damian Williams, USC (SO)
15. Jamere Holland, Oregon (SO)
16. Terrell Turner, Arizona State (JR)
17. Verran Tucker, California (JR)
18. Richard Sherman, Stanford (JR)
19. Nyan Boateng, California (JR)
20. Marcus Everett, UCLA (SR)
21. Kyle Williams, Arizona State (JR)
22. Marvin Jones, California (FR)
23. Chris Polk, Washington (FR)
24. Darrell Catchings, Oregon State (SO)
25. Michael Willis, Washington State (JR)
26. Delashaun Dean, Arizona (SO)
27. Jeff Maehl, Oregon (SO)
28. Dominique Johnson, UCLA (SO)
29. Jeshua Anderson, Washington State (SO)
30. Doug Baldwin, Stanford (SO)

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