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. Tim Tebow, Florida (SR) – Bye: 5 – No. 3 overall QB

There isn't enough space on his bio page to list all the records, awards and stories Tebow has compiled in only two seasons as a starting quarterback. He is arguably the most productive fantasy quarterback in SEC history. With 12 rushing/receiving/returning scores he will become the SEC's all-time touchdown leader (Kevin Faulk, 53) – as a quarterback! While the change in coordinators and loss of Percy Harvin will hurt, fantasy owners will still need a top-4 pick to land Tebow. The only way Golden Boy isn't a first round value at the end of the season is if Urban Meyer actually puts him under center on every snap (which will only happen from time to time in '09).

2008 stats: 310.66 fantasy pts
Passing: 2,746 yds, 30 TDs, 4 INTs
Rushing: 673 yds, 12 TDs

2. Jevan Snead, Ole Miss (JR) – Bye: 2 – No. 22 overall QB
In only one short season in Oxford, Snead has established himself as not only a winner but very solid fantasy option. In any SEC-only format league, his value goes through the roof as he is one of two dependable fantasy quarterbacks in a league full of mediocrity at the position. With a big year, Snead has a chance to turn into a first round NFL draft pick, as well as a weekly fantasy starter. He should outperform his draft status as he will be a middle round pick in a 120-team format. The Rebels feature a talented collection of pass catchers so he won't be lacking in targets, but fantasy greatness could depend on an improved running attack. With good offensive balance, defenses will have a tough time slowing down Snead's big arm.

2008 stats: 197.3 fantasy pts
Passing: 2,762 yds, 26 TDs, 13 INTs
Rushing: 60 yds, 3 TDs

3. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas (SO) – Bye: 2 – No. 30 overall QB
The quarterback situation in the SEC is is not more evident than with Mr. Mallett. The strong armed Michigan transfer has not taken a snap in SEC play and is the clear No. 3 quarterback in the conference. After Mallett, there is a dramatic drop-off into a void of fantasy uncertainty. In SEC-only formats, he is the last chance at a productive fantasy starter. He has all the talent in the world and is playing for a coach that likes to score lots of points. He also has some nice weapons to compliment him. Michael Smith, Joe Adams and D.J. Williams are fantasy options in their own right but breakout candidates Ronnie Wingo and De'Anthony Curtis give Bobby Petrino a glut of talented athletes. Mallett will go through growing pains early with games against Georgia, Alabama (Athens), Texas A&M (Arlington), Auburn and Florida (Gainesville) all in the first six weeks. However, his fantasy stock could soar in the second half of season with Eastern Michigan, South Carolina, Troy and Mississippi State in four consecutive weeks.

2008 stats: none

4. Jordan Jefferson, LSU  (SO) – Bye: 7  – No. 56 overall QB

The word to keep in mind with Jefferson is 'if.' If he wins the starting job, he should post solid fantasy numbers. If he keeps it all season, he could post great ones. While one Peach Bowl does not a career make, Jefferson has shown signs of efficiency – he has thrown one interception in 73 career pass attempts. Getting Brandon LaFell back was paramount to success in '09 because there isn't much experienced depth behind him (even though the young receivers are very talented). Richard Dickson provides a nice security blanket around the goalline as well. Keep an eye on the situation in Baton Rouge because Jefferson's athletic ability makes  him an interesting sleeper. If he is on the field.

2008 stats: 37.98 fantasy pts
Passing: 419 yds, 4 TDs, INT
Rushing: 134 yds, TD

5. Stephen Garcia, South Carolina (SO) – Bye: 12 – No. 67 overall QB
The Tampa-Plant product has been a career underachiever and a disappointment up to this point in his career. In fact, Garcia was a part of a South Carolina quarterback group that led the nation in interceptions thrown last season (27). Having said this, he still has plenty of raw athletic and physical ability and is still just a sophomore. And there may not be a way to measure how important Chris Smelley's transferring to Alabama could be. Looking over your shoulder at the guy behind you has haunted many a Spurrier passer. Knowing the job is his could catapult, or calm, him into solid play. However, the biggest issue with the Gamecocks offense for years has been the offensive line. So without improved play from the big uglies, it may not matter who is behind Garcia on the depth chart.

2008 stats: 73.42 fantasy pts
Passing: 832 yds, 6 TDs, 8 INTs
Rushing: 198 yds, 2 TDs

6. Kodi Burns, Auburn (JR) – Bye: 12 – No. 77 overall QB

There are four players who could start game one of the 2009 Auburn Tiger campaign. Experience, athletic ability and production give Burns the edge heading into camp. His ability to make plays with his legs will intrigue fantasy owners if he earns the job – especially with offensive guru Gus Malzahn running the show. But Burns will have to hold off junior Neil Caudle and senior Chris Todd, who are much better pure passers, if he expects to get looks from fantasy owners. The question becomes if Malzahn wants an athletic quarterback, why not give true freshman Tyrik Rollison a look?

2008 stats: 107.8 fantasy pts
Passing: 1,050 yds, 2 TDs, 7 INTs
Rushing: 411 yds, 5 TDs

7. Larry Smith, Vanderbilt (SO) – Bye: 13 – No. 78 overall QB
After ranking last in the SEC in passing offense (112.6 ypg) last year, the 'Dores passing game can do nothing but improve. So Bobby Johnson has implemented a fast paced, no-huddle attack that will better suit Smith's game than former starter MacKenzi Adams. Of course, leading a team to its first bowl win in nearly three decades in his first career start probably won't hurt his case for the starting job either. Smith went 10-of-17 for 121 yards against a very stingy Boston College defense. UConn transfer Terence Jeffers will supply the offense its best target since Earl Bennett left.

2008 stats: 12.68 fantasy pts
Passing: 167 yds, TD, INT
Rushing: 40 yds

8. Greg McElroy, Alabama (JR) – Bye: 9
Should McElroy hold off the younger Star Jackson, there is potential for the Southlake-Carroll star to dramatically outperform his draft status. He patiently waited behind Chase Daniel in high school and has waited his turn in Tuscaloosa behind John Parker Wilson. He clearly has the edge in leadership ability and knowledge of the offense over the younger kids. With a talented stable of backs and a little thing called Julio Jones, McElroy has upside few SEC quarterbacks have at this stage of the fantasy season. Even though he has yet to start a game in his college career.

2008 stats: 6.92 fantasy pts
Passing: 123 yds, TD, INT
Rushing: --

9. Jonathan Crompton, Tennessee (SR) – Bye: 7
Although he ranks ahead of three other SEC starters, Crompton and Tennessee might have the worst quarterback situation in the conference. The others have talented in-coming freshman who could be long-term starters down the road. The Vols have no such option so the senior gets the nod. A practice field star, Crompton has been unfortunate in that he is now working with his fourth offensive coordinator in five years of school. The offensive line, ground game and receivers haven't been much help either. An un-perfect storm in Knoxville means plenty of low scoring affairs in '09. Fantasy owners should not expect much in the way of fantasy success from the Big Orange signal caller this fall.

2008 stats: 56.26 fantasy pts
Passing: 889 yds, 4 TDs, 5 INTs
Rushing: 27 yds, 2 TDs

10. Joe Cox, Georgia (SR) – Bye: 7
Cox is the proverbial seat warmer for the Bulldogs. His tenure, however, could last the entire season. If that is the case, modest fantasy output can be expected with a solid offensive line and talented receivers around him. Freshman Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger are too. Both come to Athens as early enrollees and used the spring to try to learn as much of the offense as possible, which is Cox's only advantage over the younger players. They are clearly more talented. If Cox can manage the game and win, he should keep the job all season. This does not equal fantasy points though.

2008 stats:  15.44 fantasy pts
Passing: 151 yds, 2 TDs
Rushing: 14 yds

11. Mike Hartline, Kentucky (JR)
12. Tyson Lee, Mississippi State (Sr)
13. John Brantley, Florida (SO)
14. Russell Shepard, LSU (FR)
15. Tyler Russell, Mississippi State (FR)
16. Aaron Murray, Georgia (FR)
17. Star Jackson, Alabama (FR)
18. Nick Stephens, Tennessee (JR)
19. Morgan Newton, Kentucky (FR)
20. Zach Mettenberger, Georgia (FR)
21. Tyrik Rollison, Auburn (FR)
22. Mackenzi Adams, Vanderbilt (SR)
23. Tyler Wilson, Arkansas (FR)
24. Neil Caudle, Auburn (JR)
25. Chris Todd, Auburn (SR)

2009 draft kit

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

Quarterback Profiles

ACC
Big East
Big Ten
Big 12
Pac-10

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