Fantasy points based upon standard scoring system – passing touchdowns = 4 pts, rushing touchdowns = 6 pts, 25 passing yards = 1 point, 10 rush/receiving yards = 1 point

1. Juice Williams, Illinois (SR) – Bye: 3, 12 – No. 10 overall QB
Much of Juice’s success will hinge on how quickly he meshes with new offensive coordinator Mike Schultz. Williams had a great relationship with Mike Locksley — now New Mexico’s head man — so synergy on the Illini offense will be key. It’s a good thing that the Orange Crush offense is loaded with skill players. Rejus Benn, Jarred Fayson and Jeff Cumberland give Juice plenty of targets and Mikel LeShoure, Jason Ford and Daniel Dufrene solidify the running game. With 4,238 yards total yards— which is more than likely — Williams will pass Drew Brees as the Big Ten’s all-time total offense leader. If you don’t land one of the elite (top-7) passers, don’t hesitate to sang Williams as a QB1.

2008 stats: 286.82 fantasy pts
Passing: 3,173 yds, 22 Tds, 16 INTs
Rushing: 719 yds, 5 TDs

2. Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State (SO) – Bye: 13 – No. 13 overall QB
Ohio State switched its starting quarterback after a week 3 drubbing at the hands of USC to the young phenom from Jeanette, Pa. Pryor — known as TP2 from now on — proceeded to win his first five starts and finished 8-2 including a fourth quarter comeback on the road at Wisconsin. His only two losses were to potential National Championship teams Penn State and Texas. He will have to replace Beanie Wells, his entire receiving corp and some big offensive lineman but there are loads of talented kids waiting in the wings. A 1,000 yd-10+ touchdown season — on the ground — isn’t out of the question and the upside for Pryor is top-10 pick in 2010.

2008 stats: 181.8 fantasy pts
Passing: 1,311 yds, 12 TDs, 4 INTs
Rushing: 631 yds, 6 TDs

3. Daryll Clark, Penn State (SR) – Bye: 13 – No. 29 overall QB
Clark is the last elite Big Ten quarterback option, however, elite is a loose term. He is a back-up in 120-team formats but is in the top tier in Big Ten only leagues. A big chunk of his fantasy points came in the form of rushing touchdowns last season. Those number cannot be counted on again in ’09, as he is a passer with some athletic ability, not an athlete with some passing ability. He must also replace much of the line in front of him, as well as his entire receiving corp. Still, his very efficient play, combined with experience and a stellar ground game, should give Clark a chance to be a week-to-week starter should he find some targets. For now he is one of the better back-ups in the nation.

2008 stats: 233.46 fantasy pts
Passing: 2,592 yds, 19 TDs, 6 INTs
Rushing: 282 yds, 10 TDs

4. Adam Weber, Minnesota  (JR) – Bye: 13– No. 38 overall QB
The Gophers' signal caller has taken every snap from center over the last two seasons but that does not figure to be the case this fall. Weber was beaten up last year and was not 100% for much of the second half as a knee injury caused him to have surgery late in the year. A switch to a power running attack should keep him healthy but could diminish his rushing stats. MarQueis Gray may have something to do with that also. The freshman could see some time as he a gifted athlete with big play ability (and is the quarterback of the future). Eric Decker returns as Weber’s go-to target and security blanket.

2008 stats: 193.1 fantasy pts
Passing: 2,761 yds, 15 TDs, 8 INTs
Rushing: 233 yds, 4 TDs

5. Mike Kafka, Northwestern (SR) – Bye: 13 – No. 50 overall QB
Although the Cats are breaking in a new quarterback, fantasy owners should not be worried. Kafka got a chance to play at the end of ’08 when starter C.J. Bacher went down with an injury. All he did was set a Big Ten single game rushing record for a quarterback with 217 yards (which TP2 might actually break this year). His tremendous athletic ability makes him an interesting sleeper in any league but his inconsistency in the passing game keeps him from being an every week starter…yet.
   
2008 stats: 55.4 fantasy pts
Passing: 330 yds, 2 TDs, 3 INTs
Rushing: 321 yds, TD

6. Tate Forcier, Michigan (FR) – Bye: 13 – No. 54 overall QB
The Michigan quarterback situation might have the been the worst its been in school history last season. This was mostly due to the lack of cohesion between player strengths and offensive scheme. RichRod wants a playmaker with athleticism and Forcier is the guy. The early enrollee was in camp for spring ball and posted 1,266 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns in his last two seasons at famed Scripps Ranch High School in Cali. There will be plenty of competition for the Wolverine starting gig, but Forcier has the inside track and could pleasantly surprise.

2008 stats: none

7. Keith Nichol, Michigan State (SO) – Bye: 13 – No. 55 overall QB
Nichol transferred to East Lansing after giving Sam Bradford a run for his money in the 2007 OU quarterback battle. He lost that fight to the Heisman winner but has his chance now in the Big Ten. He is very green but has loads of talent and physical gifts. He will bring a dual-threat style much more similar to that of Drew Stanton’s play rather than Brian Hoyer’s. He will have to battle Kirk Cousins for the starting gig — and fantasy owners can count on a two quarterback system early on — but has a bit more talent and should win the job. Once, and if, he gets the job full-time, he could be a sneaky week-to-week spot starter.

2008 stats: none

8. Ricky Stanzi, Iowa (JR) – Bye: 13
After flip-flopping between Stanzi and Jake Christensen, Kirk Ferentz finally decided that Stanzi would be the guy. At first, there was some rocky moments. But with the help of one of the nation’s top ground games, Stanzi started 11 games including a decisive bowl win over South Carolina. He will no longer have Shonn Greene to lean on, so he must take more of an offensive onus in 2009. An underrated receiving corp and an always solid offensive line give Stanzi some upside, but within the tradition Hawks offense, Stanzi is nothing more than a wait and see fantasy option.

2008 stats: 117.24 fantasy pts
Passing: 1,956 yds, 14 TDs, 9 INTs
Rushing: 20 yds

9. Joey Elliott, Purdue (SR) – Bye: 13
The sample size of Elliott performances is essentially limited to three games. He saw some brief action in blowouts last season (Penn State and Northwestern) but saw his most extended action two seasons ago in the Big House. He completed 12 of 19 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown in a 48-21 loss at Michigan. The point is: We don’t know much about Joey Elliott. One thing we do know is that he knows Purdue football. This will be his fifth season on campus and there is little substitute for experience. On one of the nation’s worst BCS conference teams, fantasy players cannot expect much from the Boilers until they have proven it under new head man Danny Hope.

2008 stats: 10.54 fantasy pts
Passing: 81 yds
Rushing: 13 yds, 1 TD

10. Dustin Sherer, Wisconsin (SR) – Bye: 8, 13
Inconsistency is the name of the game for Sherer. He would nail Travis Beckum on a deep in route (a very difficult pass) with perfect timing and precision. The following play he would toss up a lame duck out route that is easily knocked down. Unless the flashes become trends, Sherer will be looking over his shoulder at two very talented freshman in Curt Phillips and Jon Budmayr. Should Sherer find his rhythm in 2009, it will be because of a stalwart offensive line and loaded collection of receivers. Three legit fantasy pass-catchers and a super talented running game will give him a chance to succeed. For how long, is the question.

2008 stats: 77.46 fantasy pts
Passing: 1,389 yds, 6 TDs, 5 INTs
Rushing: 19 yds, TD

11. Ben Chappell, Indiana (JR) – Bye: 13
The Kellen Lewis saga has finally ended. Enter Bloomington native Ben Chappell. While Chappell lacks the play-making ability of Lewis on the ground, he is a much better pure passer of the ball. He is more accurate and has a stronger arm. With little returning in the form of skill players, it will be a learning year for the first year starter. Do not expect much in the way of fantasy production.

2008 stats: 75.24 fantasy pts
Passing: 1,001 yds, 4 TDs, 3 INTs
Rushing: 72 yds, 3 TDs

12. Kirk Cousins, Michigan State (SO)
13. MarQueis Gray, Minnesota (r-FR)
14. Eddie McGee, Illinois (JR)
15. Kevin Newsome, Penn State (FR)
16. Nick Sheridan, Michigan (JR)
17. Curt Phillips, Wisconsin (r-FR)
18. Jon Budmayr, Wisconsin (FR)
19. Dan Persa, Northwestern (SO)
20. Denard Robinson, Michigan (FR)
21. Caleb TerBush, Purdue (FR)
22. Joe Bauserman, Ohio State (SO)
23. James Vanderberg, Iowa (FR)
24. Adam Follett, Indiana (FR)
25. Evan Watkins, Northwestern (FR)

2009 draft kit

Top 200
Quarterback rankings
Running back rankings
Wide receiver rankings
Tight end rankings
Kicker rankings
Team defense rankings

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