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

1. John Clay, Wisconsin (SO) – Byes: 8, 13 – No. 9 overall RB
It is no shock that the Wisconsin Badgers led the Big Ten in rushing last season (211.2 ypg). It was a shock that starting tailback P.J. Hill left early for the NFL draft. John Clay fans (and more than a few UW fans) were not really upset about it. Clay received only one start last season but still posted solid fantasy stats — especially in the last half of the year. Five of his last seven were 88+ yard games including three 100-yard performances. Five of his nine touchdowns came in the final five weeks of the season as well. Clay is probably a bit overweight but is still arguably the most talented running back in Wisconsin history. If he keeps his weight down, Clay could explode into fantasy stardom.

2008 stats — 139.2 fantasy points
Rushing: 884 yds., 9 TDs
Receiving: 1 rec., 2 yds.

2. Evan Royster, Penn State (JR) – Bye: 13 – No. 13 overall RB
After 1,236 yards rushing in 2008, Royster returns to Happy Valley as the Big Ten leading returning rusher. He trailed only Shonn Greene and Javon Ringer in total rushing yards and fantasy owners know all about those two. The super talented junior will have to replace three offensive lineman up front but brings back one of the nation's best centers in Stefen Wisniewski — who actually moves to center from guard this year. Having a senior Heisman candidate at quarterback will certainly help as well. Royster should be the feature player in an offense that could once again be the best in the Big Ten.

2008 stats —  216.7 fantasy points
Rushing: 1,236 yds., 12 TDs
Receiving: 17 rec., 155 yds.

3. Brandon Minor, Michigan (SR) – Bye: 13 – No. 20 overall RB

Minor has seen his stock soar in recent months. The leading returning rusher is now a senior and has the best all around game in the loaded Wolverine backfield. A sneaky 11-touchdown junior season was highlighted by a very strong second half. Minor mustered only 86 yards of total offense through the first six games of the year (he was never given more than four carries in any game). RichRod gave him the rock 23 times in game No. 7 and he rumbled for 117 yards and two scores. He should only get better as the Michigan quarterback situation solidifies (ahem, Tate Forcier). The offensive line returns intact and should be dramatically improved from a year ago. All signs are a go for Minor.

2008 stats — 127.9 fantasy points
Rushing: 533 yds., 9 TDs
Receiving: 5 rec., 59 yds., 2 TDs

4. Jewel Hampton, Iowa (SO) – Bye: 13 – No. 22 overall RB
Life is tough for a fantasy star when he plays behind the nation's second leading rusher. Hampton made the best of it, however, as posted 463 yards rushing and seven touchdowns — the most ever by an Iowa freshman — in only his first season on campus. The bowling ball of a tailback now get the ball full time. With three returning starters on the offensive line, a returning starter at quarterback and a coach dedicated to the ground game, Hampton could be in for a huge fantasy campaign in '09.

2008 stats —  82.9 fantasy points
Rushing: 463 yds., 7 TDs
Receiving: none

5. Duane Bennett, Minnesota (JR) – Bye: 13 – No. 45 overall RB
Bennett was beginning to look like the stud tailback the Gophers needed when he tore a knee ligament in the second game and was lost for the season. He appears to be recovered from the injury and looks to be the starter if he is 100% healthy. He is a solid receiver out of the backfield and will love the new downhill power attack of new offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch. If Bennett is the guy, grab him late in your draft because the game plans of yesteryear — shades of Russell/Maroney/Baber/Pinnix — should once again flourish in the brand new outdoor facility in Minneapolis.

2008 stats — 48.5 fantasy points
Rushing: 140 yds., 2 TDs
Receiving: 12 rec., 125 yds., 1 TD

6. Daniel Herron, Ohio State (SO) – Bye: 13 – No. 49 overall RB
Daniel 'Boom' Herron is no stranger to the starting line-up even though he played behind one of the nation's elite runners. When Beanie Wells got hurt against Ohio, it was up to Boom to pick up the slack. He produced a 94-yard effort against Troy sandwiched by two 5.0+ yard-per-carry games against USC and Minnesota. Wells returned and Herron was relegated to the bench. Even in spot duty Herron was solid as he scored in four straight games to finish the season. The offensive line has had some turnover but the kids stepping in are super talented and should open the holes for any Buckeye tailback. Herron looks to get the first crack.

2008 stats — 76.8 fantasy points
Rushing: 439 yds., 6 TDs
Receiving: 6 rec., 29 yds.

7. Edwin Baker, Michigan State (FR) – Bye: 13 – No. 53 overall RB
Javon Ringer was responsible for 96.7 percent of the Spartan rushing attack in 2008. Which means the starting job in East Lansing is up for grabs. The other Andre Anderson, Ashton Leggett and Caulton Ray might get the first shot at the job but true freshman Baker is the name to watch. As a late round pick in any draft format, Baker has the chance to put up solid numbers should he receive the bulk of the carries, especially for a head coach who is clearly dedicated to the ground game.

2008 stats — none

8. Jaycen Taylor, Purdue (SR) – Bye: 13 – No. 58 overall RB
Purdue entered 2008 with two quality starters at tailback and Taylor was supposed to be a big part of that. However, a torn ACL forced him to miss the entire season without getting a single carry. His experience should give the Boiler senior the starting job from the word go but he was limited in spring camp by the injury still. If he is healthy, the quarterback situation improves and the offense can be productive, Taylor has a chance at some decent numbers. All of which are big IFs.
2008 stats —  none

9. Stephen Simmons, Northwestern (JR) – Bye: 13 – No. 70 overall RB
It has been four full seasons since someone other than Tyrell Sutton started a season as the starting tailback. While it will be hard to replace his 3,886 career rushing yards, 37 total touchdowns and 149 career receptions, it will not be hard to replace the fact that he missed nine games over the last two seasons. With injuries to not only Sutton but also back-up Omar Conteh last season, Simmons at least got some game action. He got 22 carries in two wins over Michigan and Illinois late in the year and scored in both games. If at his size, 5-8, 175 pounds, he can stay healthy, Simmons could easily out perform his draft stock.

2008 stats — 33.4 fantasy points
Rushing: 178 yds., 2 TDs
Receiving: 1 rec., 11 yds.

10. Jason Ford, Illinois (SO) – Byes: 3, 12 – No. 92 overall RB
Replacing fantasy stud Rashard Mendenhall proved to be a difficult task last season. Through injuries and ineffective options, one player stepped to the front. Ford proved to be a viable fantasy option as just a freshman. In limited action, the young bruiser produced eight touchdowns, including a 173-yard, three touchdown performance against rival Indiana. It was one of only two games in which Ford received more than 10 carries (the other was Wisconsin with 12 carries for 48 yards). The coaching staff is high on the young runner and Ford himself claims to be in the best shape of his life. Snag him late because even a glimpse of that 1,681-yard, 17-TD Mendenhall season would be fantasy gold for Ford.

2008 stats — 91.2 fantasy points
Rushing: 294 yds., 8 TDs
Receiving: 9 rec., 79 yds.

11. Stephfon Green, Penn State (SO) – Bye: 13 – No. 97 overall RB
Green is more of a handcuff option at this point but should he crack the starting line-up for any extended period of time, he could be a star. Arguably the fastest running back in the nation, Green has a flair for the big play. He can score from anywhere on the field and will run past most defenders. With Penn State's weak early schedule, Green could post some big numbers early in the year. If you draft Royster, Green is a must own late in the draft.

2008 stats —  107.2 fantasy points
Rushing: 578 yds., 4 TDs
Receiving: 15 rec., 268 yds., 1 TD

12. Jamaal Berry, Ohio State (FR) – Bye: 13 – No. 99 overall RB
Like Michigan State's Edwin Baker, Berry comes to campus as one of the most heralded tailback recruits in the nation. He has speed to burn and plenty of strength packed onto his smallish frame. If he gets onto the field, he may knock Boom Herron to the sidelines very quickly. However, Berry is currently dealing with an off-the-field issue involving drugs and may not be eligible come the fall. Keep an eye on his situation because he had loads of talent and a relatively weak backfield in Columbus.

2008 stats — none

13. Ashton Leggett, Michigan State (SO)
14. Darius Willis, Indiana (FR)
15. Zach Brown, Wisconsin (JR)
16. Brandon Saine, Ohio State (JR)
17. Mikel LeShoure, Illinois (SO)
18. Daniel Dufrene, Illinois (SR)
19. Ralph Bolden, Purdue (SO)
20. Carlos Brown, Michigan (SR)
21. Jeff Brinson, Iowa (FR)
22. Jeravin Matthews, Northwestern (SO)
23. Michael Shaw, Michigan (SO)
24. DeLeon Eskridge, Minnesota (SO)
25. Bryan Payton, Indiana (SR)
26. Shady Salamon, Minnesota (SO)
27. Andre Anderson, Michigan State
28. Kevin Whaley, Minnesota (FR)
29. Al-Terek McBurse, Purdue (FR)
30. Caulton Ray, Michigan State
31. Vincent Smith, Michigan (FR)
32. Brandon Wegher, Iowa (FR)
33. Larry Caper, Michigan State (FR)
34. Arby Fields, Northwestern (FR)
35. Dan Dierking, Purdue (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

Running Back Profiles

ACC
Big Ten
Wed - Big East
Thur - Big 12
Fri - Pac-10
Mon - SEC

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.

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