Newcomers: WR/TE

True Freshmen:

Julio Jones, Alabama
Jones may be the most physically gifted receiver to come out of high school since the likes of Larry Fitzgerald and Randy Moss showed up on the college gridiron. The departure of two senior starters at wideout for Alabama will give plenty of opportunity to the young Jones. He is a must draft.

DeAndre Brown, Southern Miss
In what might have been the biggest recruiting coup in school history, Southern Miss signed the No. 4 wide receiver in the class of 2008. The Mississippi product is listed at 6’6” and a svelte 210 pounds and will be an instant impact player in the red zone. If Eagles gets consistent quarterback play, Larry Fedora’s spread attack could put up huge fantasy numbers this fall.

Tavares King, Georgia
The lesser of the ‘heralded’ Bulldog receiving threats (A.J. Green) will provide Georgia fans with something they have not had in years: a play-maker at wideout. King is incredible in the open field using great speed and quickness to make things happen after the catch. He will also be a dynamic return threat on special teams. Green will also be good but will play a different role: the deep threat.

Daryl Stonum, Michigan
This young phenom could be the deep threat the Wolverines are missing. He has the size, the speed and the instincts to step in and contribute right away. Stonum, a kid who played his high school ball in Sugar Land, Texas, has track star speed and a very similar game to that of the departed Mario Manningham. If he performs like Mario on the field, fantasy owners and Wolverine fans alike will be very happy.

Chris Polk, Washington
Not only is Polk a special talent, but he is the only player on the Huskies roster with his own position. The SB - or slotback - spot on the roster is Polk's alone. He will be used in the backfield as a runner as well as split out as a true wide receiver. The talented young athlete originally committed to USC and Pete Carroll but switched to Washington and will now get lots of playing time as a freshman.

Future Keepers:
Mike Floyd, Notre Dame       
Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M
A.J. Green, Georgia
Keshawn Martin, Michigan State
DeVier Posey, Ohio State
Josh Jarboe, Troy*
Nelson Rosario, UCLA
Brice Bulter, USC
Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M
Marvin Jones, Cal
Dan Buckner, Texas

* - 2008 eligibility is still pending

Redshirts to Watch:
Michael Calvin, Cal
Deonte Thompson, Florida
D.J. Cunningham, Michigan State
Malcolm Williams, Texas
Joseph Hills, South Carolina
Nick Toon, Wisconsin

JUCOs:

Carl Moore, Florida
The big transfer from California looks to step into a crowded Gator receiving corp and have a big impact. He will be asked to play the X-receiver and has been staying late after practice to get timing with quarterback Tim Tebow. His big frame may also let him play some slot – a spot where injured Cornelius Ingram would have played.

Corey Surrency, Florida State
With an ambiguous situation at nearly every spot on the FSU offense, Surrency has proven very quickly in fall practice that he is the real deal. With team MVP Preston Parker suspended early and not much depth behind Greg Carr, Surrency could step in and be the go to play-maker on the outside. He is still likely to be the No. 3 but could have an impact early against the likes of Western Carolina and Chattanooga while Parker is sitting out.

Aaron Valentin, Purdue
Exit Dustin Keller, Dorian Bryant and Selwyn Lymon. That is 195 receptions. Curtis Painter has averaged 335 completions a season over the last two years and Greg Orton cannot catch them all. Valentin, a 6'1" 208 pound receiver from New York state, looks to step in and earn a spot across from Orton this fall. In the pass happy Purdue offense, Valentin should put up decent fantasy numbers.

Others to Watch:
Verran Tucker, Cal
Jason Carlson, Iowa State
Rod Harris, Kansas
Aubrey Quarles / Brandon Banks, Kansas St (et al)
David Pittman, Minnesota
Bryant Williams, New Mexico
Arsenio Curry, Purdue
 
Transfers:

Damian Williams, USC
This super talented transfer has been impressing coaches and players alike since arriving from Arkansas last season. Now, the Trojan faithful get to see what Williams is all about. He played very well as a true freshman for the Hogs and will hope to crack a very crowded depth chart. However, the names ahead of him on the depth chart have been inconsistent at best and solid all-around play from Williams could put him in the starting line-up.

Others to Watch:
Nyan Boateng, Cal
Jamere Holland, Oregon
Andrew Diomande, Vandy

Tight Ends:

Blake Ayles, USC – most game-ready frosh TE in this class
Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame – keeper option but very talented
Jonathan Baldwin, Pitt – supreme pass catcher is almost a WR
Kavario Middleton, Washington – freak of an athlete is already creeping up depth chart
Brandon Warren, Tennessee – started for FSU as freshman but may not be eligible
Konrad Reuland, Stanford – Notre Dame transfer with loads of upside
Adrien Robinson, Cincinnati – redshirt is drawing rave reviews so far in practice