MWC Fantasy Preview

BYU has a rich history with quarterbacks and junior Max Hall looks to continue that tradition in 2008. Hall is the top fantasy quarterback option in the Mountain West and returns to lead a potent Cougar offense that boasts four legitimate fantasy options this season. If Utah’s Brian Johnson can stay healthy, this senior could rank among the top 25 quarterbacks in fantasy production. Considering his injury history, some owners may choose to stay away on draft day.

BYU’s Harvey Unga and New Mexico’s Rodney Ferguson are the top two fantasy running back options in this conference. Unga and Ferguson should both top 1,000 yards this season. Unga holds a little more value in points-per-reception leagues, as he caught 44 passes last year. Utah’s Darrell Mack and TCU’s Aaron Brown are solid RB2 or RB3 candidates for any fantasy owner.

If you are looking for a fantasy receiver from this conference, BYU’s Austin Collie is the top pick. Collie battled an ankle injury through part of the season and assuming he’s healthy this year, he should crack the top 25 in fantasy receiver ranks. Teammate Dennis Pitta is also the top fantasy tight end option in the Mountain West and one of the top ten in college football. UNLV’s Casey Flair and Ryan Wolfe are productive, but need a settled quarterback situation to move up the fantasy rankings this season.

Athlon’s Preseason Rankings (Updated rankings coming soon)

Mid-Major Quarterback Rankings
Top 50 Quarterback Rankings
Mid-Major Running Back Rankings
Top 100 Running Back Rankings
Mid-Major Wide Receiver Rankings
Top 100 Wide Receiver Rankings
Tight End Rankings
Kicker Rankings
Defense Rankings
Sortable Player Rankings

Quarterback Battles

Wyoming
Contenders: Dax Crum (SO), Karsten Sween (JR)
The Favorite: Sween – The Cowboys have a new offensive coordinator and coach Joe Glenn isn’t going to be patient if Sween struggles to start the season. Don’t be surprised to see Crum play, but Sween should begin the year as the starting quarterback.
Fantasy Impact: Minimal

Air Force
Contenders: Tim Jefferson (FR), Eric Herbort (JR), Shea Smith (SR)
The Favorite: Herbort – The Falcons lost a ton of offensive talent and don’t be surprised if someone like Jefferson emerges to win the job in the fall. Coach Troy Calhoun won’t be afraid to play a youngster if he’s solid in fall practice, but Herbort is the safe pick.
Fantasy Impact: Minimal – for now

Colorado State
Contenders: Billy Farris (SR), Grant Stucker (JR)
The Favorite: Farris – New coach Steve Fairchild has a couple of candidates to choose from, but is expected to go with Farris to start the year. The senior is the most experienced candidate on the roster and will have a strong running game to lean upon in 2008.
Fantasy Impact: Minimal

UNLV
Contenders: Omar Clayton (SO), Travis Dixon (SO)
The Favorite: Clayton - This Illinois native gave the Rebel offense a spark late last year, before suffering a season-ending injury against San Diego State. Although the sophomore is developing as a passer, he’s a solid rusher and could top the 500-yard mark in 2008.
Fantasy Impact: Potential – Clayton is a nice fantasy prospect, but he has to beat Dixon for the job.

San Diego State
Contenders: Ryan Lindley (FR), Drew Westling (JR), Kelsey Sokoloski (SO)
The Favorite: Lindley – The Aztecs will have a tough time replacing Kevin O’Connell, but Lindley is a player with a lot of promise – just inexperienced.
Fantasy Impact: Minimal

Running Back Situations to watch

Air Force – Not only are the Falcons starting over under center, they lose their top five running backs/wide receiver rushers from last year. Receiver Chad Hall carried the banner for the Falcon rushing attack, notching nearly 1,500 yards. Sophomore Savier Stephens is expected to help pickup some of the slack, but Hall’s replacement – Ty Paffett – should see plenty of carries as well.

Colorado State – With Kyle Bell two years removed from ACL surgery, look for solid improvement in his totals this year. Gartrell Johnson performed well in Bell’s absence and is a threat to Bell’s carries in 2008. However, Bell had a solid spring and heads into fall camp with the starting nod.

Wyoming – Devin Moore and Wynel Seldon combined for 1,519 yards on the ground last season. Moore rushed for more yardage and carried the ball 50 more times than Seldon did in 2007. With two solid backs on the depth chart, look for the Cowboys to continue splitting carries, which makes either player a risk on draft day.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Here are a couple of players/battles to watch…

New Mexico – With Marcus Smith and Travis Brown out of eligibility, the Lobos will lose 167 receptions and over 2,000 yards from last season. Junior Roland Bruno is the top returning receiver with 21 catches, but junior college transfer Bryant Williams and senior Jermaine McQueen are ahead of him on the depth chart. Somebody will catch passes from Donovan Porterie and Williams is one to keep in mind for a late sleeper pick.

Utah – As long as quarterback Brian Johnson can stay healthy, fantasy owners should keep close tabs on this battle. Senior Brent Casteel missed most of last season with a knee injury, but is a solid player when he’s on the field. Fellow seniors Freddie Brown and Bradon Godfrey will also figure into the mix, but junior college transfers Aiona Key and David Brooks should provide an immediate boost to a receiving corps lacking depth.

Sleepers

QB Omar Clayton, UNLV – Assuming he wins the job, Clayton could emerge as a dangerous dual-threat quarterback in the Mountain West.

RB Frank Summers, UNLV – Frank the Tank struggled at the close of 2007, but 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns is a reasonable pick for this season.

WR Ty Paffett, Air Force – Considering Chad Hall’s success last year, Paffett is a good bet to see plenty of carries in 2008.

Freshmen to watch

QB Ryan Lindley, San Diego State/Tim Jefferson, Air Force
RB J.J. Di Luigi, BYU
WR Spencer Hafoka, BYU

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