Newcomers: RB's

Running back is the single easiest position to play when transitioning from high school to college football. That is why, every year, college football sees freshmen make the biggest fantasy impact of any position. Georgia's Knowshon Moreno, Pitt's LeSean McCoy, Oklahoma's DeMarco Murray and BYU's Harvey Unga are among the nation's top fantasy options this fall and all of them were freshman last season. Here are the newcomers to watch in 2008:

True Freshmen:

Darrell Scott, Colorado
The top prep running back in the nation heads to Boulder with ideas of starting from day one. He will have to hold off the “incumbent” Demetrius Sumler and fellow freshman Ray Polk, but Scott has the ability to be a top flight fantasy back from the word go. He is the complete package, excelling between the tackles, on the edge and in the passing game.

Enrique Davis, Ole Miss
The Rebels have a nice running back in Cordera Eason but Davis has the pure ability to steal carries early and often. Davis originally signed with Auburn but after a year of prep school the young talent chose Ole Miss. At 6-foot, 215 pounds and sporting 4.4-type speed, Davis should open some eyes in Oxford this fall. Especially when he runs to the left behind future NFL star Michael Oher.

Josh Haden, Boston College
This lightning quick little back will be a dynamic player for the BC Eagles. He not only could be the starter but will make a serious impact in the passing game. Good news for those playing in PPR leagues. The coaches are so high on his ability to catch the football, that they have been quoted as saying Haden will eventually be the ACC’s all-time leading receiver (for running backs).

Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
Back-up quarterback Tyrod Taylor is the leading returning rusher for the Hokies. That means there is space for Williams to make an impact. Kenny Lewis and others will challenge but Williams has them all beat on raw ability. His explosiveness and speed will be impossible to keep off the field.

DeAnthony Curtis, Arkansas
There is a misconception that Bobby Petrino is a pass-first coach. Not the case at all. He built his success on a power ground attack. Incumbent Michael Smith will get a good majority of the early carries.  But should the diminutive runner struggle or get hurt, Curtis has the talent to take the starting job and never let it go.

Future Keepers:
DeVoe Torrence, Akron
Mark Ingram, Alabama
Ryan Bass, Arizona State
Jamie Harper, Clemson
Mikel LeShoure, Illinois
Darius Ashley, Louisville
Sam McGuffie, Michigan
Jonas Gray, Notre Dame
Jermie Calhoun, Oklahoma
Terence Kerns, West Virginia
Aundre Dean, UCLA

Redshirts to Watch:
Chris Rainey, Florida
Caleb King, Georgia
Ryan McCants, Oregon State
Fozzy Whittaker, Texas
Raymond Carter, UCLA
Marc Tyler, USC
John Clay, Wisconsin

JUCOs:

LeGarrette Blount, Oregon
This bulldozer of a runner will be the perfect compliment to current starter Jeremiah Johnson. The short yardage and goal line carries will almost exclusively be Blount’s. He is not just a bruiser, though, as he showed off his speed in the Oregon spring game. Should anything happen to Johnson, Blount will be the primary ball carrier. If that happens, Blount moves into top flight status as a fantasy back.

Jocques Crawford, Kansas
Team captain and leading rusher Brandon McAnderson has graduated. So have his 16 touchdowns. Jake Sharp will get the first shot at carrying the load but may not have the skills needed to be an every down back. In steps Crawford. There is not much depth behind these two, so they should get all the carries.

Beau Johnson, Oklahoma State
Kendall Hunter should get the early starts and is certainly capable but is also very small. Johnson will be used in a complimentary role at first. Should Hunter get hurt or not able to carry the bulk, the JUCO tansfer will be the top ball carrier in what will be a fantasy ‘juggernaut’ of a team in Stillwater.

Others to Watch:
Tavares Pressley, Florida State
Nate Guillory, Iowa
L.J. Flintall, Ohio
Maurice Greer, Troy

Transfers:

Emmanuel Moody, Florida
The Gator backfield is very crowded but Moody has the ability to be a true three-down back for Florida – something they have not had in years. If Moody can grasp the new system and numerous formations, he could take over for Kesthan Moore as the leading rusher – at least by a running back.

Andrew Johnson, Akron
Johnson was talented enough to earn a spot on the Miami Hurricanes roster two years ago. He will have to hold off talented true frosh DeVoe Torrence, however, if he expects to be the full time starter. Running back is a position of depth for Akron so keep an eye on this position during fall camp. Should Johnson emerge from the rubble, he could be a stellar late round sleeper pick.

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