Independents

1. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame (JR) — Bye Week — 6 — No. 23 overall QB
Clausen has shown steady improvement over the last two seasons and is primed for his best statistical year. The junior has one of the top receiving corps in the nation returning, along with four starters on the offensive line. Another positive is the schedule. The Fighting Irish play six teams that allowed over 25 points per game last season. The junior is also coming off his best career performance, torching Hawaii for five scores and 401 yards. All the pieces seem to be coming into place for a big year from Clausen and fantasy owners would be wise to take him as a QB2 or QB3.

2. Ricky Dobbs, Navy (JR) — Bye Week — 12 — No. 62 overall QB
With Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada sidelined for parts of last season due to a hamstring injury, Dobbs got plenty of experience and is ready to step into the starting role in 2009. Dobbs has more value in In leagues where rushing touchdowns count for more than passing scores, but the junior should approach 800 rushing yards this season. Don't expect the junior to be an every week option, but he should be a solid QB4 or QB5 and potential starter in select weeks.

3. Chip Bowden, Army (JR) — Bye Week — 9, 13
Bowden solidified the offense last year, rushing for over 500 yards and leading the Black Knights to three victories. The junior isn't going to post monster numbers, but he should see an increase this season. New coach Rich Ellerson led one of the most prolific offenses in the FCS last season and Bowden will be asked to take a little more of the offense on his shoulders. Keep an eye on the junior for select matchups.

Mountain West

1. Max Hall, BYU (SR) — Bye Week — 9 — No. 12 overall QB
After struggling against TCU and Utah last year, Hall enters his senior year with something to prove. He increased his production across the board last year from his 2007 statistics, but it may be difficult to see much of an increase this year. Austin Collie declaring for the NFL draft was a huge loss at receiver for the Cougars, although the cupboard isn't completely bare with McKay Jacobson, O'Neill Chambers, Luke Ashworth and tight end Dennis Pitta. Hall should top 30 touchdowns once again and is a solid QB1 or QB2.

2. Omar Clayton, UNLV (JR) — Bye Week — 12 — No. 34 overall QB
Clayton has been a remarkable story, going from walk-on to one of the Mountain West's top passers. A knee injury against TCU kept Clayton from playing in the final three games of the year, but still managed to post 25 total touchdowns and 1,894 yards through the air. If Clayton manages to stay healthy, he should easily surpass 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. In two seasons, Clayton has 342 rushing yards, but may be asked to do a little more on the ground this year, especially with running back Frank Summers out of eligibility. Clayton has the top receiving corps in the Mountain West and should have his best season in Las Vegas.

3. Andy Dalton, TCU (JR) — Bye Week — 1 — No. 40 overall QB
Dalton hasn't posted overwhelming fantasy numbers over the last two seasons, but seemed to find his rhythm at the end of 2008. In the final six games, Dalton accounted for 14 scores and averaged 237.3 passing yards per game. Dalton only tossed 11 touchdown passes last year, which came in four contests. Dalton needs to show overall improvement in order to be a better fantasy option, but if he can pickup his production to a level similar to the final six games of 2008, Dalton should be a solid play in select matchups.

4. Ryan Lindley, San Diego State (SO) — Bye Week — 6 — No. 52 overall QB
Lindley showed signs of being a legitimate fantasy option last year, throwing for 433 yards and four scores against Idaho and 387 yards and two scores against UNLV. A shoulder injury suffered against TCU limited Lindley's effectiveness in the middle of the season, but still managed to finish with 16 touchdowns and 2,653 yards. The sophomore should benefit from new coordinator Al Borges providing some stability to the offense, along with the return of receiver Vincent Brown. Look for Lindley to have a solid increase across the board, but likely remains a QB4 or starter for select matchups.

5. Corbin Louks, Utah (JR) — Bye Week — 5 — No. 69 overall QB
Louks has played in 19 games in his first two seasons, but doesn't have any extended experience. The junior is noted as a strong rusher, tallying 380 yards and four scores on 60 attempts. Considering he has only 15 passing attempts in his career, there will be a few ups and downs in his first year as the starter. Louks' rushing ability gives him plenty of upside, but the Utes will bring him along slowly, leaning on running back Matt Asiata early on. Louks is a good sleeper pick, but watch Jordan Wynn and Terrance Cain's progress in the fall.

6. Donovan Porterie, New Mexico (SR)
7. Karsten Sween, Wyoming (SR)
8. Tim Jefferson, Air Force (SO)
9. Grant Stucker, Colorado State (SR)
10. Mike Clausen, UNLV (SO)
11. Austyn Carta-Samuels, Wyoming (FR)
12. Terrance Cain, Utah (JR)
13. Robert Benjamin, Wyoming (JR)
14. Klay Kubiak, Colorado State (SO)
15. Jordan Wynn, Utah (FR)
16. Jon Eastman, Colorado State (JR)

WAC

1. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada (JR) — Bye Week — 2 — No. 6 overall QB
Kaepernick is one of the top 10 fantasy quarterbacks in college football and one look at his numbers shows why. The junior collected 39 total touchdowns last year, along with 3,979 yards of offense. Although its possible Kaepernick may not run as much this year, reaching 800 yards on the ground is well within reach. With a slight drop in rushing numbers should come an increase in passing yards. Despite the loss of receiver Marko Mitchell, the Wolf Pack still have plenty of weapons, led by Chris Wellington and two 1,000-yard rushers at running back. After Houston's Case Keenum, seven players could be chosen as the No. 2 quarterback off the board. Kaepernick could go as the No. 2 fantasy quarterback, but if he doesn't go at No. 2, he's definitely a first-round selection.

2. Kellen Moore, Boise State (SO) — Bye Week — 6 — No. 18 overall QB
After a stellar freshman year, expect Moore to only get better as a sophomore. Last season, Moore had 10 games of at least two touchdown tosses and six of 250 or more passing yards. With Ian Johnson out of eligibility and Moore having another offseason under his belt, expect the Broncos to lean a little more on his arm. Although the Broncos lose receiver Jeremy Childs, there are plenty of returning weapons, led by Austin Pettis and Titus Young. The sophomore should be able to approach 30 passing touchdowns, along with 3,600 yards. There's plenty of upside with Moore and he'll make a solid QB2 for 120 leagues.  

3. Greg Alexander, Hawaii (SR) — Bye Week — 4 — No. 21 overall QB
It took a little time, but the Warriors eventually found their offensive groove. Alexander started the opener against Florida, but lost the job, only to regain it later in the year. Once the California native found his rhythm, he posted seven straight games of at least two scores. Alexander needs a little more help from the offensive line and surrounding cast, but has a lot of potential this season. The days of Colt Brennan and a Hawaii quarterback taking the top fantasy spot are on the backburner, but Alexander can be a nice QB2 or QB3 for any roster.

4. Diondre Borel, Utah State (JR) — Bye Week — 2 — No. 41 overall QB
If you are looking for a quarterback that can take a big leap in terms of fantasy value, look no further than this passer in Logan, Utah. Borel totaled 2,337 yards and 16 scores last season, and new coordinator Dave Baldwin has produced several solid offenses in his coaching career. The junior needs to be more efficient in the passing game, evidenced by his 11 touchdowns to 10 interception total. Look for Borel to see a solid increase across the board and he could be one of this year's top surprises as a QB3 or QB4 on your roster.

5. Kyle Reed, San Jose State (SR) — Bye Week — 5, 8 — No. 74 overall QB
Reed flashed potential last season, throwing for 300 yards and three scores against Utah State and 215 yards and two scores against Nevada. However, the Spartans weren't quite hitting on all cylinders on offense last season, especially with top receiver Kevin Jurovich sidelined. Coach Dick Tomey made a few changes, including the hire of offensive guru Terry Malley. Expect the Spartans to show improvement, but Reed needs to make significant strides in order to be a weekly fantasy option.

6. Ebahn Feathers, Fresno State (FR)
7. Nathan Enderle, Idaho (JR)
8. Ross Jenkins, Louisiana Tech (JR)
9. Jeff Fleming, New Mexico State (JR)
10. Derek Carr, Fresno State (FR)
11. Ryan Colburn, Fresno State (JR)
12. Brent Rausch, Hawaii (JR)
13. Jordan La Secla, San Jose State (JR)
14. Trevor Walls, New Mexico State (FR)
15. Brian Reader, Idaho (JR)

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
Non-BCS Part 1

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