1. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech (JR) — Bye Week — 12 — No. 16 overall RB
There's no denying Dwyer is one of the most talented running backs in the nation and in Paul Johnson's option attack, expect another 1,000-yard season. The junior posted nine games of at least 100 rushing yards and scored a touchdown in eight contests. The biggest question in terms of fantasy value is Dwyer's workload. Although the Yellow Jackets aren't abandoning the option anytime soon, Roddy Jones, Lucas Cox, quarterback Josh Nesbitt and the addition of transfer Anthony Allen means there are plenty of capable rushers vying for carries. The Yellow Jackets totaled 640 rushing attempts last year and Dwyer was the workhorse, notching 200. With Allen eligible, it's hard to imagine Dwyer seeing much of an increase in carries and there's a concern he could lose some work around the goal-line. However, as one of the most talented rushers in the nation, he's too valuable to pass up on draft day.

2008 stats — 229.6 fantasy points
Rushing: 1,395 yds, 12 TDs
Receiving: 8 rec., 209 yds., 1 TD

2. C.J. Spiller, Clemson (SR) — Bye Week — 6 — No. 23 overall RB
Spiller has immense talent, but could be one of the most disappointing players in the ACC over the last two years. With James Davis sharing some of the carries, a lackluster passing game and an offensive line that struggled to open holes, Spiller has yet to equal the 938 yards he posted as a freshman. With Davis out of the picture and five starters returning up front, Spiller could finally reach the 1,000-yard mark. Even if Spiller has a sluggish rushing performance, fantasy owners can count on him catching a few passes out of the backfield and is a threat to score on special teams. Spiller has burned a lot of fantasy owners over the last two seasons, but this could be the year he finally realizes his potential and becomes a top-20 fantasy back.

2008 stats — 189.8 fantasy points
Rushing: 629 yds, 7 TDs
Receiving: 34 rec., 436 yds., 3 TDs

3. Darren Evans, Virginia Tech (SO) — Bye Week — 8 — No. 27 overall RB
The 1,265 yards Evans rushed for last year was a record for a Virginia Tech freshman and the sophomore has his sights set on an even bigger 2009 campaign. Evans was averaging 16 carries per game before Kenny Lewis suffered a season-ending injury against Western Kentucky. After taking over the lead role, Evans averaged 24 carries per game and seemed to find his rhythm late in the year, posting four 100-yard efforts in the final six games. Evans has a good chance to top 1,300 yards and 13 scores in 2009, but redshirt freshman Ryan Williams could cut into his workload. If you take Evans, be sure to grab Williams as a handcuff.

2008 stats — 168.8 fantasy points
Rushing: 1,265 yds., 11 TDs
Receiving: 17 rec., 117 yds.

4. Da'Rel Scott, Maryland (JR) — Bye Week — 9 — No. 40 overall RB
Despite battling a shoulder injury throughout last year, Scott managed to rush for 1,133 yards, which was the seventh best for a single season in Maryland history. Assuming his shoulder holds up for 2009, the biggest concern for Scott will be the offensive line. The Terrapins return only two starters up front and this unit was inconsistent throughout 2008. Also, Morgan Green and Davin Meggett have proven to be capable backups and will get their share of the carries. Despite the concerns about the offensive line and capable backups, Scott should have another 1,000-yard season and is a solid RB3 for any team in a 120 league.

2008 stats — 164.6 fantasy points
Rushing: 1,133 yds., 8 TDs
Receiving: 21 rec., 171 yds.

5. Jermaine Thomas, Florida State (SO) — Bye Week — 7 — No. 42 overall RB
Could the drought end for the Seminoles in 2009? The Seminoles have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Warrick Dunn accomplished that feat in 1996. With five starters returning, the Seminoles' offensive line could be one of the best in the country and should open plenty of holes for Thomas. The sophomore dazzled in limited work, rushing for 482 yards and three scores, averaging an impressive seven yards per carry. With Antone Smith out of eligibility, Thomas should see a significant increase in carries and while seven yards per carry may not be attainable this year, expect 1,000 yards and at least seven scores. 

2008 stats — 73.9 fantasy points
Rushing: 482 yds., 3 TDs
Receiving: 6 rec., 48 yds.

6. Graig Cooper, Miami (JR) — Bye Week — 2— No. 57 overall RB
Just like rival Florida State, the 'Canes have lacked a 1,000-yard rusher in a couple of years. Although the Seminoles are searching for their first since 1996, the drought for the 'Canes is a little shorter, with the last 1,000-yard rusher coming in 2002. Cooper came close to that mark last season, rushing for 841 yards and four scores, along with catching 29 passes. The junior only topped the 100-yard mark three times last season, and the entire backfield will face a challenge for playing time in the fall from freshmen Mike James and Lamar Miller. If Cooper can stay healthy and hold off two promising freshmen for playing time, expect a boost in yardage. However, the first four games of the season could be tough sledding, as the 'Canes take on Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Oklahoma.

2008 stats — 142.0 fantasy points
Rushing: 841 yds., 4 TDs
Receiving: 29 rec., 113 yds., 1 TD

7. Mikell Simpson, Virginia (SR) — Bye Week — 4— No. 63 overall RB
The Cavaliers hope Simpson reverts to his 2007 form, when he rushed for 570 yards and eight scores, along with catching 43 catches for 402 yards. The Cavaliers' new spread offense should help Simpson thrive, especially in the passing game. However, the team has an unsettled quarterback situation and there is no guarantee this offense will take off in year one. If Simpson can avoid the injury bug and the Cavaliers pickup the new offense, look for this senior to be a nice sleeper pick.

2008 stats — 58.8 fantasy points
Rushing: 262 yds., 3 TDs
Receiving: 15 rec., 66 yds.

8. Shaun Draughn, North Carolina (JR) — Bye Week — 7— No. 69 overall RB
Like a couple of their ACC counterparts, the Tar Heels have struggled to find a consistent rushing attack in previous seasons. After the failed Greg Little experiment at running back early in the year, Draughn proved to be a revelation. The converted defensive back posted only three 100-yard efforts, but finished the year with 866 yards and three scores. If Draughn picks up where he left off last year, he should be a safe pick for 1,000 yards. However, Ryan Houston and Jamal Womble are a threat for carries, with Houston an immediate threat around the goal-line. Draughn will lose some touchdowns, but is still a safe pick for 1,000 yards.

2008 stats — 118.3 fantasy points
Rushing: 866 yds., 3 TDs
Receiving: 16 rec., 81 yds., 1 TD

9. Anthony Allen, Georgia Tech (JR) — Bye Week — 12 — No. 73 overall RB
In two seasons at Louisville, Allen powered his way for 1,102 yards and 20 scores. After sitting out due to transfer rules, Allen appears to primed to play a large role in the Georgia Tech backfield. Although Jonathan Dwyer remains the focal point of the offense, Allen should see plenty of touches in 2009. The question is, how much? Dwyer is the workhorse and the team also returns Roddy Jones, Embry Peeples, Lucas Cox and Marcus Wright. If Dwyer is injured, Allen's value immediately skyrockets. However, for now, the junior should steal some work around the goal-line and around 100-150 carries seems like a likely target.

2008 stats — none

10. Montel Harris, Boston College (SO) — Bye Week — 10 — No. 77 overall RB
There's a lot of question marks surrounding the Boston College team in 2009, mainly dealing with the uncertainty on offense. Quarterback Dominique Davis was expected to be the starter, but has decided to transfer and the Eagles are also under the new direction of veteran coordinator Gary Tranquill. With the question marks about the passing game, the Eagles should lean heavily on the rushing attack. Four starters return on the offensive line and Harris nearly topped 1,000 yards last season. Although the sophomore will face more defensive focus, he should see an increase in carries and should find more time in the endzone. If the Eagles can get a consistent passing threat, Harris should easily top 1,000 yards. However, if the Eagles struggle to move the ball through the air, Harris could struggle this year.

2008 stats — 125.6 fantasy points
Rushing: 900 yds., 5 TDs
Receiving: 20 rec., 160 yds., 1 TD

11. Jamelle Eugene, NC State (SR) — Bye Week — 8 — No. 91 overall RB
There's no guarantee Toney Baker will be 100 percent coming off a knee injury, but the Wolfpack have the luxury of having Eugene returning for his senior year. He shared time with Andre Brown last year but still managed to collect nearly 500 yards on the ground and displayed solid hands, catching 26 passes. Assuming Eugene is the starter and collecting 20-25 carries per game, he should hover right around 1,000 yards. However, his fantasy value is directly tied to how productive Baker will be in his return from a knee injury.

2008 stats — 92.6 fantasy points
Rushing: 442 yds., 2 TDs
Receiving: 26 rec., 224 yds.

12. Toney Baker, NC State (SR) — Bye Week — 8 — No. 107 overall RB
Baker has been hobbled over the last two seasons by a knee injury, so there is a major question mark about whether he is 100 percent or not. When healthy, Baker has been a successful back, rushing for 1,234 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first two seasons. Unless you are in an ACC only league, drafting Baker is risky. However, keep an eye on his progress through fall camps and see how the battle for carries with Eugene plays out.

2008 stats — none

13. Josh Adams, Wake Forest (JR) — Bye Week — 12 — No. 108 overall RB
Although Adams was a major disappointment last year, don't be surprised if he is one of 2009's top rebound players. After undergoing preseason knee surgery, Adams never seemed to get in rhythm, rushing for only 422 yards and four scores, after rushing for 953 yards and 11 scores in 2007. The Demon Deacons want to run the ball more in 2009, which is good news for Adams. However, Kevin Harris and Brandon Pendergrass will be major factors in the rotation. Adams is worth a late-round pick in 120 leagues as a potential rebound candidate.

2008 stats — 70.9 fantasy points
Rushing: 402 yds., 4 TDs
Receiving: 16 rec., 120 yds.

14. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech (FR) — Bye Week — 8 — No. 114 overall RB
A redshirt freshman named Darren Evans stole the spotlight in the Virginia Tech offense last year and it wouldn't be surprising to see another redshirt freshman make a large impact this year. The coaching staff wrestled with the decision to redshirt Williams, but it should pay off for 2009 and beyond. Williams needed to improve his blocking and with a full offseason to work on it, the coaching staff should have no qualms about putting him on the field. Williams is a must handcuff for Evans' owners and is a threat to cut into his carries.

2008 stats — none

15. Re'quan Boyette, Duke (SR) — Bye Week — 7 — No. 115 overall RB
Finding a running game has been an ongoing struggle for the Blue Devils. The team has not found a 1,000-yard rusher since 2003 and during that span, no rusher has been over 500 yards. For the Blue Devils to make a bowl game in 2009, Boyette has to come through. The senior missed all of last year due to a knee injury and will be counted on to jumpstart the rushing attack. The team has a capable quarterback in Thaddeus Lewis, but without a running game, it's hard to imagine the Blue Devils improving much on offense. Boyette is only worth a look in 120 leagues as a RB5 or RB6, but also has offensive line concerns.

2008 stats — none

16. Roddy Jones, Georgia Tech (SO) — Bye Week — 12 — No. 118 overall RB
Jones averaged only six carries per game, but made the most of every attempt. He averaged over eight yards per carry and gashed Georgia in the regular season finale for 214 yards and two scores. With Anthony Allen eligible and Jonthan Dwyer returning, there won't be much room for Jones to grow in terms of the amount of carries. However, barring an injury to Dwyer or Allen, look for Jones to get around 100 carries and he should notch over 500 rushing yards.

2008 stats — 114.3 fantasy points
Rushing: 690 yards., 4 TDs
Receiving: 8 rec., 155 yds., 1 TD

17. Kevin Harris, Wake Forest (SR)
18. Jamie Harper, Clemson (SO)
19. Josh Haden, Boston College (SO)
20. Brandon Pendergrass, Wake Forest (SO)
21. Desmond Scott, Duke (FR)
22. Ty Jones, Florida State (SO)
23. Davin Meggett, Maryland (SO)
24. Morgan Green, Maryland (JR)
25. Javarris James, Miami (SR)
26. Ryan Houston, North Carolina (JR)
27. Andre Ellington, Clemson (FR)
28. Jay Hollingsworth, Duke (SO)
29. Jamal Womble, North Carolina (FR)
30. Tavares Pressley, Florida State (JR)
31. Mike James, Miami (FR)
32. Lamar Miller, Miami (FR)
33. Keith Payne, Virginia (JR)
34. Tony Jackson, Duke (JR)
35. Jeff Smith, Boston College (SR)
36. Lucas Cox, Georgia Tech (JR)
37. Kenny Lewis, Virginia Tech (SR)
38. Josh Oglesby, Virginia Tech (SO)
39. Embry Peeples, Georgia Tech (SO)
40. Lee Chambers, Miami (SO)
41. Damien Berry, Miami (JR)
42. Marcus Wright, Georgia Tech (SO)
43. Brandon Barnes, NC State (FR)
44. Torrey Mack, Virginia (FR)
45. Lonnie Pryor, Florida State (FR)

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
Non-BCS Part 2
Quarterback Sleepers

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