Conference USA

1. Case Keenum, Houston (JR) — Bye Week — 3 — No. 1 overall QB
There's not much debate at the top of the quarterback rankings for 2009. After tossing 44 touchdowns and 5,020 yards last season, Keenum should be the first quarterback off the board in 120 leagues. The junior doesn't figure to see a drop in numbers and an increase across the board is very likely. Keenum only scored less than three touchdowns and threw for less than 300 yards once last year and had seven performances of at least four touchdowns. Coach Kevin Sumlin will continue to throw it around in Houston and Keenum should easily approach and top last year's numbers. It will be a major surprise if Keenum is not the first passer off the board in 120 leagues.

2. Trevor Vittatoe, UTEP (JR) — Bye Week — 7 — No. 13 overall QB
Vittatoe got off to a slow start last year, throwing two touchdowns through the first three weeks of the season. However, he caught fire to finish the season, tossing at least three touchdowns in his next eight games. Fantasy owners hope the junior can continue that pace in 2009 and the return of receivers Kris Adams and Jeff Moturi should assure Vittatoe has another huge season. Expect the junior to increase his touchdown total closer to 35 and approaching 3,500 yards is within reach.

3. Jacob Bower, Tulsa (JR) — Bye Week — 6 — No. 16 overall QB
Over the last two seasons, Tulsa has produced one of the top fantasy quarterbacks in the nation. Last year, David Johnson ranked seventh among signal-callers with 324 fantasy points and in 2007, Paul Smith amassed an impressive 60 scores. Bower took a long route to Tulsa, going to BYU and then JUCO for a year. The winner of the Tulsa starting job should be a top-10 fantasy quarterback. However, the loss of coordinator Gus Malzahn is huge and the offense may not be as prolific this year. Bower has a slight lead over G.J. Kinne and Shavodrick Beaver entering the fall, but this is one race to watch.

4. Austin Davis, Southern Miss (SO) — Bye Week — 10 — No. 17 overall QB
Davis shined in his first season as a starter, combining for 3,636 yards of offense and 32 touchdowns. The former walk-on has room to grow this year, especially with another offseason to learn from offensive mastermind (and head coach) Larry Fedora. The most important news for Davis' fantasy value this year is receiver DeAndre Brown continues to recover from a broken leg suffered in the bowl game. Assuming Brown is at 100 percent, the Golden Eagles will have no trouble moving the ball through the air. Davis is a solid QB2 and has some upside to possibly work his way into the discussion as a fringe QB1.

5. Joseph Webb, UAB (SR) — Bye Week — 6 — No. 19 overall QB
Inconsistency was the name of Webb's game in 2008. Although he ran for 1,021 yards and 11 scores, the senior threw 16 interceptions to only 10 touchdowns. If Webb can find a way to cut down on his mistakes and push his touchdown passes higher, he should be a solid QB2. However, if Webb continues to toss 16 interceptions, his value will dip in leagues that penalize for interceptions. Webb should be selected on draft day, but be sure to have another dependable option on the bench.

6. Bo Levi Mitchell, SMU (SO) — Bye Week — 4 — No. 20 overall QB
With another offseason under his belt, Mitchell should be ready for a huge season. Although he showed promise at times last year - 365 yards and five total scores against Houston - he was also bothered by a shoulder injury late in the year and had eight games of at least two interceptions. With Aldrick Robinson and Emmanuel Sanders back at receiver, the Mustangs should be able to score plenty of points this year. If Mitchell cuts down on his interceptions and picks up his yardage and touchdown numbers, he should be a QB2 in 120 leagues.

7. Arkelon Hall, Memphis (SR) — Bye Week — 8 — No. 43 overall QB
Hall teased fantasy owners with three 300-yard performances in his first seven games, but suffered a thumb injury against East Carolina and missed the next two contests. When Hall returned for the final three games, he failed to top 200 passing yards. Although Hall was inconsistent, he has plenty of talent and weapons around him to make a move up the fantasy rankings. Expect his totals to reach closer to 3,000 yards and 25 passing touchdowns this year.

8. Patrick Pinkney, East Carolina (SR) — Bye Week — 8 — No. 66 overall QB
The Pirates welcomed Pinkney back with open arms, after the veteran signal-caller was granted an additional year of eligibility. Although his numbers weren't particularly overwhelming last season - 13 passing touchdowns, 2,675 yards - keep an eye on him in select matchups or draft as a QB4 or QB5 in 120 leagues. An increase in numbers is likely, but the Pirates are more of a run-first offense.

9. Nick Fanuzzi, Rice (SO) — Bye Week — 9 — No. 72 overall QB
The Owls were one of the top fantasy offenses last year, but without Chase Clement, James Casey and Jarett Dillard, don't expect a repeat of those numbers. Fanuzzi is an Alabama transfer with a lot of upside, but was inconsistent throughout the spring and failed to fully secure the No. 1 spot. The Owls also have a new offensive coordinator, so there may be some transition period. Fanuzzi is a good sleeper pick, but there's no guarantee he starts the first game of the year.

10. Brian Anderson, Marshall (JR)
11. Rob Calabrese, UCF (SO)
12. Joe Kemp, Tulane (SO)
13. G.J. Kinne, Tulsa (SO)
14. Shavodrick Beaver, Tulsa (FR)
15. Tyler Bass, Memphis (SO)
16. Rob Kass, East Carolina (SR)
17. John Thomas Shepherd, Rice (JR)
18. Mark Cann, Marshall (SO)
19. Brett Hodges, UCF (SR)
20. Kevin Moore, Tulane (JR)
21. Martevious Young, Southern Miss (JR)
22. Braden Smith, SMU (FR)
23. Cotton Turner, Houston (SO)
24. Jake Laudenslayer, Marshall (JR)
25. Press Taylor, Marshall (JR)

MAC

1. Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan (SR) — Bye Week — 10 — No. 2 overall QB
Injuries derailed Thunder Dan's attempt to be the top fantasy quarterback last season, but with two healthy ankles, he should have no trouble posting statistics similar to his 2007 season - 3,652 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, while adding 1,122 yards and 19 scores on the ground. Although LeFevour may not rush for 1,000 yards once again, he should be a safe pick for at least 40 scores and 4,000 yards of total offense. Should be selected as one of the first seven passers off the board in 2009.

2. Tim Hiller, Western Michigan (SR) — Bye Week — 12 — No. 26 overall QB
After suffering a late-season knee injury against Illinois, Hiller was never the same quarterback. Over the final three games of the year, he completed only 51 percent of his passes and threw five interceptions - after throwing five in the first 10 games. Despite tearing his ACL in early November, Hiller will be ready to start the season opener on September 5th at Michigan. Looking ahead to this season, the Broncos lose receivers Jamarko Simmons, Schneider Julien and tight end Branden Ledbetter and may lean a little more on their running game. There is an injury risk with Hiller, but he should be a solid QB3.

3. Tyler Sheehan, Bowling Green (SR) — Bye Week — 9 — No. 35 overall QB
Sheehan is 16th among returning quarterbacks for 2008 fantasy points, but there is reason to be concerned about his value in 2009. New coach Dave Clawson struggled to get his offense going at Tennessee last season and his resume suggests it may be year two when the Falcons pickup on his system. Sheehan has been productive throughout his college career and he will be one to watch closely early in the year. Draft Sheehan as a cautious QB3 or QB4.

4. Chris Jacquemain, Akron (SR) — Bye Week — 5 — No. 46 overall QB
With running back Dennis Kennedy out of eligibility, the Zips will lean more on Jacquemain's arm. The senior showed solid improvement last year, tossing 2,748 yards and 20 touchdowns. Helping Jacquemain's cause in 2009 is the hires of offensive gurus Shane Montgomery and Walt Harris by head coach J.D. Brookhart, along with the return of receivers Andre Jones and Deryn Bowser. Jacquemain isn't an every week starter, but the Zips should score plenty of points this year. Keep this senior in mind as a QB3 or QB4, with starting potential in select matchups.

5. Andy Schmitt, Eastern Michigan (SR) — Bye Week — 4 — No. 47 overall QB
Schmitt closed out the year on a tear, throwing for 1,000 yards and eight scores in the final two games. With new coach Ron English bringing in a new offensive scheme, Schmitt may not throw it around as much as he did at the close of 2008. However, the senior has some potential in select matchups and should post a career high in touchdown passes. 

6. Boo Jackson, Ohio (SR) — Bye Week — 10 — No. 48 overall QB
After Theo Scott was hurt against Ohio State, the Bobcats rallied around Jackson and came within just a couple of plays of a winning record. Despite barely playing in the first two weeks of the season, Jackson ended the year with 2,688 yards of total offense and 21 scores. Scott is healthy and could wrestle the starting job away with a strong fall, but it appears both will likely see snaps this year. The key to any fantasy value from an Ohio quarterback this year depends largely on one player winning the job. Jackson is a late-round draft pick or a free agent to watch, but unless he wins the job outright, he won't be worth a roster spot in your fantasy league.

7. Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois (SO) — Bye Week — 6 — No. 63 overall QB
Harnish flashed potential in last year's season opener, throwing for 326 yards and two scores against Minnesota. However, a foot injury forced Harnish to miss a couple of games, but the young passer finished with 2,067 yards of total offense and 12 touchdowns. Assuming he can stay healthy this year, Harnish should easily surpass last season's statistics. Harnish is a little low in the quarterback rankings, but he has a lot of upside and could come cheap on draft day.

8. Aaron Opelt, Toledo (SR) — Bye Week — 10 — No. 70 overall QB
Opelt has been a model of consistency the last two seasons. The Ohio native has 12 touchdown passes and seven interceptions in back-to-back years. Fantasy owners need to see Opelt's touchdown numbers go a little higher to deserve week-to-week consideration, but he could have his best season under new coordinator Matt Campbell. With the one-two punch of DaJuane Collins and Morgan Williams returning at running back, the Rockets will be a run-first team. However, Opelt should surpass 15 passing tosses in 2009.

9. Giorgio Morgan, Kent State (SO) — Bye Week — 11 — No. 73 overall QB
Some fantasy owners may remember Morgan from 2007, when he passed for 274 yards and three scores in limited work. The graduation of Julian Edelman is a huge loss for the Golden Flashes, but Morgan has some ability and is a good sleeper pick in 120 leagues. The Golden Flashes have some difficult early matchups - Boston College and Baylor - but Morgan could surprise once the season hits conference play.

10. Zach Maynard, Buffalo (SO)
11. Kelly Page, Ball State (FR)
12. Chester Stewart, Temple (SO)
13. Daniel Raudabaugh, Miami, Ohio (SR)
14. Theo Scott, Ohio (SR)
15. Vaughn Charlton, Temple (JR)
16. Anthony Magazu, Kent State (SR)

Sun Belt

1. Rusty Smith, Florida Atlantic (SR) — Bye Weeks — 2, 6 — No. 27 overall QB
Rusty wasn't quite as Trusty last year. After throwing 32 touchdowns and 3,688 yards in 2007, Smith's numbers dropped to 24 scores and 3,226 yards last year. A large reason for his drop in statistics should be attributed to the loss of tight end Jason Harmon. Although the Owls have capable backups in Jamari Grant and Rob Housler, Harmon is clearly the best playmaker. Having Harmon back in the mix certainly helps Smith and should inch his touchdown passes closer to 30. He could be undervalued on draft day due to his semi-disappointing 2008, but is a solid QB3 with room to surprise.

2. Corey Leonard, Arkansas State (SR) — Bye Weeks — 3, 6 — No. 32 overall QB
Over the last two seasons, Leonard has been a steady fantasy performer. In 2007, he notched 21 total touchdowns and 2,782 yards of offense, while compiling 20 scores and 2,863 yards last season. Expect the senior to have another similar season, with an increase in passing touchdowns. Leonard is a dual-threat option and another 500 yards on the ground is probable. The senior is a solid QB3, with QB2 value in select matchups.

3. Levi Brown, Troy (SR) — Bye Week — 5 — No. 42 overall QB
Brown took over the No. 1 spot after Jamie Hampton suffered a season-ending knee injury against Florida Atlantic. After taking over the starting job, Brown proceeded to compile six games of at least two touchdowns or more and finished with 2,030 passing yards. With Hampton expected to redshirt this season, Brown has a chance to throw for 30 touchdowns and well over 3,000 yards. Brown likely won't be an every week starter in 120 leagues, but should be worth a draft pick as a QB3 or QB4.

4. Riley Dodge, North Texas (FR) — Bye Week — 5 — No. 51 overall QB
It's a make or break season for North Texas coach Todd Dodge. Under his tenure, the Mean Green is a paltry 3-21 and with the defense allowing 48 points per game last year, it's up to the offense to lead the way in 2009. Riley Dodge - son of coach Todd - knows this system and could post monster numbers if he gets a little help from the guys catching the ball. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on Riley early in the year and keep him in mind for a late-round pick in 120 leagues.

5. Dwight Dasher, MTSU (JR) — Bye Week — 5 — No. 59 overall QB
The hire of Tony Franklin as offensive coordinator was an huge boost to the fantasy prospects of MTSU. Dasher has flashed potential, totaling 12 touchdowns in limited work during the 2007 season. Although Dasher has a lot of potential, this is a new offense and it may take the Blue Raiders a little time to pick it up - see Auburn from last year. Most fantasy owners remember Franklin from Troy, where Omar Haugabook emerged as a fantasy option. Keep Dasher in mind for a QB3 or QB4 pick, with plenty of upside.

6. Paul McCall, Fla. International (SR) — Bye Weeks — 1, 13 — No. 68 overall QB
The Golden Panthers were more competitive last season than they've been in recent memory, finishing one win short of bowl eligiblity. A big reason for their success was McCall's performance. He had a solid showing to close out the 2007 season and picked up where he left off into 2008. The senior tossed 15 touchdowns to nine interceptions and posted two performances of at least four touchdowns. The senior needs to add a few more scores before he's a top fantasy option, but could be worth a look in select matchups.

7. Brad McGuire, UL Lafayette (SO)
8. Trey Revell, UL Monroe (JR)
9. Brandon Smith, Western Kentucky (SR)

2009 draft kit

Top 200
Quarterback rankings
Running back rankings
Wide receiver rankings
Tight end rankings
Kicker rankings
Team defense rankings
2009 Very early mock draft

Quarterback Profiles

ACC
Big East
Big Ten
Big 12
Pac-10
SEC

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