Oregon’s LeGarrette Blount leads the way in our very early release of the 2009 fantasy rankings, but don’t be surprised to see a couple of different names chosen as the top fantasy running back in your draft. Seven rushers got consideration from the Athlon staff as the top back, but Blount gets the nod for now.

Top rated freshmen – Michigan State’s Edwin Baker (No. 52), Tennessee’s Bryce Brown (No. 60)

Could take a step back this year…With quarterback Nate Davis off to the NFL, Ball State will rely heavily on MiQuale Lewis. However, the Cardinals lose four starting linemen, making Lewis a candidate for a drop in fantasy numbers this season.

On the comeback…Fresno State is loaded with options in the backfield, but Ryan Mathews should easily top last season’s numbers. The junior missed five games last year and was limited down the stretch with a knee injury, but at 100 percent, he’s one of the top rushers in the WAC.

Kentucky’s Derrick Locke suffered a serious knee injury against Arkansas last year and there was some doubt he would return to the field. However, the junior is making progress in his recovery and it appears he will be ready to go in time for the start of the season.

2009 draft kit

2009 kickoff
Quarterback rankings
Kicker rankings

Coming later this week

Wide receiver rankings
Tight end rankings
Team defense rankings
Top 200

Coming later this summer

Player profiles
Sleepers
Position battles
Strategy features
Mock draft
Freshmen/JUCO reports
Keeper watch

Follow us at Twitter: AthlonFantasy

Check out u-sports.athlonsports.com for more information on college fantasy leagues for the 2009 season.

Be sure to keep in mind all rankings will change as needed throughout the offseason and a major update will be posted before August.

Bye Week Key -

Week 1 - Sept. 5
Week 2 - Sept. 12
Week 3 - Sept. 19
Week 4 - Sept. 26
Week 5 - Oct. 3
Week 6 - Oct. 10
Week 7 - Oct. 17
Week 8 - Oct. 24
Week 9 - Oct. 31
Week 10 - Nov. 7
Week 11 - Nov. 14
Week 12 - Nov. 21
Week 13 - Nov. 28