2. Chase Coffman, Missouri (SR)
Coffman has had to share the work load with another stud tight end for a couple of years. In 2008, that all changes. Martin Rucker was the primary beneficiary of the creative Gary Pinkel offense over the past few seasons and this season Coffman takes over that role. Coffman should be the top red zone target of stud quarterback Chase Daniel. Star wide receiver Jeremy Maclin should open up the middle of the field for the talented tight end. There is plenty of wealth to go around in this explosive Mizzou offense.

3. Travis Beckum, Wisconsin (SR)
The Badgers’ star tight end is a dynamic athlete that will be the number one playmaker in the passing game for the Big Ten program in ’08. Arguably the most athletic tight end in the nation should lead his team in receptions, yards and touchdowns once again. A loaded backfield and great offensive line should create plenty of play-action opportunity for Beckum. 

4. James Casey, Rice (SO)
Casey, like many of the Rice fantasy options last season, came out of nowhere. That is mostly because no one can actually figure out where he will line up on any given play. A player that has been everything from a quarterback to defensive end found a home at h-back last season. A dynamic athlete will be used in many ways on offense – including the ground game – and with Jarett Dillard spreading the field on the outside, Chase Clement should be able to find Casey in the middle early and often in ’08. 

5. Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma (JR)
The Ardmore, Okla. native will not lead the Sooners in receptions or yards. But is it very possible that he catches the most touchdowns. He clearly built a rapport with young quarterback Sam Bradford as indicated by his 11 touchdown receptions. The talent and natural ability are obvious when you see the 6’5” 260-pound athlete move in the open field. With so many options on the Sooner offense, his upside may be hindered a bit. Look for him to again be a great red zone option, though.

6. Rob Gronkowski, Arizona (SO)
This Wildcat not only has a great nickname - The Gronk - but is also a solid fantasy option. The workout warrior proved as freshman that he would be a force to be reckoned with in the Pac-10. He only caught 28 passes last season but at an 18.8 ypc clip, his numbers turned out to be very solid. In the second season of the “Air-zona” Sonny Dykes offense, The Gronk looks to have a breakout season. With a senior quarterback and stud wide receiver to create space, the Amherst, N.Y. native should be the top tight end option in any Pac-10 format.

7. Dennis Pitta, BYU (JR)
The BYU Cougars have shown over the past few seasons their tight ends will be solid fantasy options (Jonny Harline). This year is no different with Dennis Pitta. In what should be an explosive offense, Pitta should command the center of the field for the Cougs. After not playing a game his freshman year, the sophomore broke out last season with a top-flight fantasy season (59-813-5). With Max Hall and Austin Collie back, Pitta should be able to improve on those numbers in ’08.

8. Cornelius Ingram, Florida (SR)
Ingram could have been a top tier fantasy tight end this season. However, he plays for Florida. The Gators just have too many options for Ingram to make it into the top tier of fantasy tight ends. His physical tools and abilities are second to none. Tim Tebow will look for Ingram along the seam and around the goal line. However, with names like Harvin, Cooper, Murphy, Moody and Rainey lining up next to him, Ingram is unlikely to produce anything more than solid numbers.

9. Cody Slate, Marshall (JR)
With a new offensive scheme, Slate could actually take a jump up in production. Good news for Herd fans. The issue is still quarterback play. Can Mark Cann get the job done? This we do not know yet. If he takes to the system quickly, Slate will be the number one target. He has improved his numbers each year and could do so again in ’08.

10. Shawn Nelson, Southern Mississippi (SR)
The number two tight end in C-USA has yet to realize his full potential. Obviously, Damion Fletcher will be the top offensive weapon for new head coach Larry Fedora but Nelson could be number two. If superstar frosh DeAndre Brown doesn’t make it into class, Nelson becomes the favorite to lead the Eagles in receptions, yards and touchdowns. The talented tight end saw a slight dip in production last season, but with a wide open new offensive system, Nelson’s senior year should be very productive.