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. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State (JR) — Bye Week — 5 — No. 6 overall RB
The Cowboys possessed one of the nation's most balanced offenses last year, rushing for 245 yards per game, while throwing for 242. A big factor in the success of the rushing attack was Hunter. After shining as a freshman, rushing for 696 yards and four scores, he proved that was no fluke by gashing opposing defenses for 1,555 yards and 16 scores. The Texas native was under 100 yards in four games and was held scoreless in only two. The Cowboys have one of the deepest backfields in the country, with Hunter, Keith Toston and Beau Johnson returning. Hunter is the go-to guy, but Toston and Johnson will see some work. If you draft Hunter, be sure to grab Toston as insurance. Although the Cowboys are loaded in the backfield, Hunter is a top-10 option and with no clear cut No. 1 fantasy rusher, he could work his way into the top three.

2008 stats - 270.4 fantasy points
Rushing: 1,555 yds., 16 TDs
Receiving: 22 rec., 198 yds., 1 TD

2. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma (JR) — Bye Week — 4 — No. 7 overall RB
Injuries have prematurely ended Murray's first two seasons on campus, but he remains one of the most talented and explosive running backs in the nation. Through two seasons, Murray has 1,766 rushing yards, 45 receptions and 33 total touchdowns. Assuming he is able to shake off the hamstring injury that ended his 2008 campaign, Murray should have his best season in a Sooner uniform. The junior should reach over 1,000 yards on the ground and will find the endzone at least 15 times. With durability a major concern (and if you draft Murray as a RB1) be sure to grab a top RB2. Owners drafting Murray should consider drafting Chris Brown, Mossis Madu or Jermie Calhoun as insurance.

2008 stats - 263.2 fantasy points
Rushing: 1,002 yds., 14 TDs
Receiving: 31 rec., 395 yds., 4 TDs

3. Chris Brown, Oklahoma (SR) — Bye Week — 4 — No. 12 overall RB
DeMarco Murray provides the flash for the Sooner offense, while Brown provides the thunder. In three years, he has collected 2,174 yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground. Brown also has more rushing attempts than Murray over the last two seasons and steadily increased his production across the board each year. It would be difficult to nab Murray and Brown in a fantasy draft (unless you have two relatively close picks), but if you can, it would be a potent 1-2 combination. Drafting Brown as a handcuff to Murray is the perfect situation, but if you can't get Murray, this senior is still a solid fantasy option. Despite the loss of four offensive linemen, the Sooners should still find plenty of room on the ground. Brown may not equal 20 rushing touchdowns, but expect another 1,000 yards and 15 scores.

2008 stats - 217.7 fantasy points
Rushing: 1,220 yds., 20 TDs
Receiving: 15 rec., 109 yds., 1 TD

4. Derrick Washington, Missouri (JR) — Bye Week — 5 — No. 21 overall RB
Washington entered last year as a large unknown, with 184 career rushing yards to his credit. After the success of Tony Temple in previous years, Washington had the chance to make an immediate fantasy impact and he did just that, rushing for 1,036 yards and 17 scores. He provided a good complement to quarterback Chase Daniel, but there's a lot of unknowns entering 2009 with the Missouri offense. Daniel, receiver Jeremy Maclin, tight end Chase Coffman and offensive coordinator Dave Christensen have all moved on and with a new quarterback taking over, the Tigers should rely more on Washington this year. The junior should see his rushing attempts pushed closer to 200, but sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert needs to show he can move the chains early on, especially to prevent defenses from keying too much on the Tiger rushing attack.

2008 stats - 247.3 fantasy points
Rushing: 1,036 yds., 17 TDs
Receiving: 29 rec., 277 yds., 2 TDs

5. Baron Batch, Texas Tech (JR) — Bye Week — 10 — No. 25 overall RB
In leagues where fantasy owners get points for receptions, Batch is one of the most valuable running backs on the board. The junior tallied 45 receptions last year, while sharing time with Shannon Woods. Now that Woods is out of the picture, Batch should see more playing time and an increase in numbers. The junior didn't have a 100-yard rushing performance last year, but caught at least three passes in 10 games. Although Batch won't be the workhorse with Aaron Crawford and Harrison Jeffers in the mix, he should reach 1,000 yards and should score 10-15 times. Batch is a solid RB2 or RB3, with more value in points per reception leagues.

2008 stats - 188.0 fantasy points
Rushing: 758 yds., 7 TDs
Receiving: 45 rec., 449 yds., 1 TD

6. Roy Helu, Nebraska (JR) — Bye Week — 5 — No. 29 overall RB
With a new quarterback taking over, the Huskers expect to lean heavily on the rushing attack. Quentin Castille will see some carries, but Helu will be the workhorse. The California native finished the year on a high note, rushing for 115 yards or more in three out of the final five contests. In the first eight weeks of the season, Helu posted only one game of double digit carries, but managed 66 yards on six touches against Iowa State. The Huskers expect Helu to pickup where he left off last season and only adding to Helu's workload is the expiring eligiblity of Marlon Lucky. Helu should see an increase of carries to around 200 and 1,000 yards is well within reach. If you draft Helu, getting Castille as a handcuff is a good idea.

2008 stats - 161.5 fantasy points
Rushing: 803 yds., 7 TDs
Receiving: 25 rec., 266 yds.

7. Jake Sharp, Kansas (SR) — Bye Week — 5 — No. 37 overall RB
Over the last two seasons, Sharp has been one of the most underrated backs in the nation, posting back-to-back seasons of 800 yards. He increased his touchdown total from seven to 12 last year and posted a career high in receptions. Sharp averaged seven carries through the first four games, but averaged 18 the rest of the way. If Sharp jumps out of the gate a little quicker, he should have no trouble reaching 1,000 yards and over 10 scores. Although this senior back isn't flashy, he'll provide plenty of production throughout the season to be a solid RB3 for any roster.

2008 stats - 192.9 fantasy points
Rushing: 860 yds., 12 TDs
Receiving: 25 rec., 283 yds., 1 TD

8. Jay Finley, Baylor (JR) — Bye Week — 2 — No. 61 overall RB
The Bears have only two 1,000-yard rushers in the last 14 seasons, and Finley could become Baylor's first 1,000-yard rusher since Rashad Armstrong went over the mark in 2003. Quarterback Robert Griffin played a large role in the offensive improvement, but the Bears benefited from the stability Finley provided on the ground. He had three 100-yard efforts, including back-to-back games to close out the season. The Bears need to keep Griffin healthy, so they probably won't ask him to rush as much as they did in 2009. Finley will have more help this year, with Jarred Salubi and Terrance Ganaway ready to contribute. Despite the presence of Ganaway and Salubi, expect Finley to threaten 1,000 yards and 10 scores.

2008 stats - 158.2 fantasy points
Rushing: 865 yds., 7 TDs
Receiving: 7 rec., 141 yds., 2 TDs

9. Christine Michael, Texas A&M (FR) — Bye Week — 2 — No. 66 overall RB
Michael ranked as the No. 35 prospect in the 2009 Athlon Consensus 100 and figures to make an immediate impact in College Station. With Mike Goodson departing for the NFL and Jorvorskie Lane expiring his eligibility, the door is open for Michael to make an immediate impact. At five-foot-11 and 202 pounds, Michael possesses an excellent blend of speed and power. Although Cyrus Gray and Bradley Stephens are in the mix for carries, Michael clearly has the most upside out of this group and should see immediate playing time.

2008 stats - none

10. Rodney Stewart, Colorado (SO) — Bye Week — 4 — No. 76 overall RB
A freshman back was expected to steal the show in Boulder last year, but his last name was supposed to be Scott, not Stewart. As a five-foot-seven freshman, not much was expected of Stewart, but he ended up leading the team in rushing. He produced three 100-yard efforts, notching 107 against Florida State, 141 against Kansas State and 166 against West Virginia. The Buffaloes were hindered by offensive line struggles last year and with more stability up front, Stewart and Scott should have a better season. Stewart gets the nod as the starter, but don't be surprised if Scott eventually assumes the No. 1 role. If you draft one, be sure to grab the other as a handcuff.

2008 stats - 82.0 fantasy points
Rushing: 622 yds., 2 TDs
Receiving: 7 rec., 43 yds.

11. Cody Johnson (SO) — Bye Week — 5 — No. 78 overall RB
The Longhorns didn't get much production from their running backs last year, with Vondrell McGee leading the way with 376 yards. Quarterback Colt McCoy finished as the team's leading rusher with 561 yards, the lowest since 1991 when Butch Hadnot rushed for 501 yards to lead the team. If the Longhorns will make an appearance in the national title game, getting more production from the running backs will be key. Johnson averaged 4.4 yards per carry, but took 12 of his 76 carries into the endzone. It's a wild open race to be the starting running back, but Johnson, Fozzy Whittaker, Vondrell McGee and freshman Chris Whaley figure to be the main contenders. If Johnson can continue to punch it in around the goal-line, he'll be worth a RB3. However, there is a lot of sorting out still to do in this backfield.

2008 stats - 105.3 fantasy points
Rushing: 338 yds., 12 TDs
Receiving: none

12. Alexander Robinson, Iowa State (JR) — Bye Week — 13 — No. 80 overall RB
Robinson has very quietly posted two solid years in Ames and has a chance for a jump in statistics this year. The Cyclones are switching to a spread attack and this should help speed up the offensive tempo, as well as score a few more points. Robinson needs a little more help from the offensive line, but should see the best numbers of his career. Don't be surprised if he catches 30 passes out of the backfield and pushes his rushing totals closer to 1,000 yards. Even if he struggles against some of the better teams in the Big 12, this junior is worth a look as a starter in the first half of the year, as the Cyclones play North Dakota State, Kent State, Army and Kansas State before mid-October.

2008 stats - 130.8 fantasy points
Rushing: 703 yds., 6 TDs
Receiving: 17 rec., 160 yds.

13. Keith Toston, Oklahoma State (SR) — Bye Week — 5 — No. 81 overall RB
Although Kendall Hunter received the bulk of the carries in the Oklahoma State backfield, Toston worked his way into fantasy consideration. He finished as the No. 90 fantasy running back last season, despite barely reaching 100 carries. Fantasy owners can expect much of the same in 2009. Hunter should be the workhorse, but Toston and Beau Johnson will see time. Toston figures to see over 100 carries and 700 yards this season and is a solid handcuff to Hunter. Keep this senior in mind for select weeks, as he should see plenty of carries against Houston, Rice and Grambling.

2008 stats - 128.5 fantasy points
Rushing: 686 yds., 9 TDs
Receiving: 8 rec., 62 yds.

14. Mossis Madu, Oklahoma (JR) — Bye Week — 4 — No. 82 overall RB
The Sooners have one of the deepest backfields in the nation and the return of Chris Brown, DeMarco Murray and Jermie Calhoun has allowed Madu to do a little experimenting. The coaching staff believes Madu can make an impact at receiver, especially since the team loses Manuel Johnson and Juaquin Iglesias. However, the Sooners won't completely remove Madu from the running back rotation. Madu is an interesting late-round option, especially since he could see 30 catches this year. If Murray or Brown is injured, Madu's value would skyrocket.

2008 stats - 64.4 fantasy points
Rushing: 475 yds., 6 TDs
Receiving: 12 rec., 84 yds.

15. Darrell Scott, Colorado (SO) — Bye Week — 4 — No. 87 overall RB
Scott entered last year with high expectations, but was a disappointment. The California native was the No. 3 player in the 2008 Athlon Consensus 100, but battled through injuries and was unable to unseat Rodney Stewart as the team's No. 1 back. However, 2009 is a new season and hopes are high Scott will blossom in his second season on campus. There's plenty of potential with this sophomore, but Stewart is still in the mix. Expect Scott to be better in his second year and he's a solid sleeper pick for those looking for an intriguing RB4 or RB5 pick.

2008 stats - 55.4 fantasy points
Rushing: 343 yds., 1 TD
Receiving: 9 rec., 105 yds.

16. Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M (SO)
17. Quentin Castille, Nebraska (JR)
18. Chris Whaley, Texas (FR)
19. Keithen Valentine, Kansas State (SR)
20. Beau Johnson, Oklahoma State (SR)
21. Vondrell McGee, Texas (JR)
22. Fozzy Whittaker, Texas (SO)
23. Aaron Crawford, Texas Tech (SO)
24. Terrance Ganaway, Baylor (SO)
25. Demetrius Sumler, Colorado (JR)
26. De'Vion Moore, Missouri (SO)
27. Bo Williams, Iowa State (SO)
28. Harrison Jeffers, Texas Tech (FR)
29. Deshaun Sands, Kansas (FR)
30. Jarell Childs, Kansas State (FR)
31. Jermie Calhoun, Oklahoma (FR)
32. Bradley Stephens, Texas A&M (SO)
33. Dexter Pratt, Oklahoma State (FR)
34. Tre' Newton, Texas (FR)
35. Jeremy Hills, Texas (SO)
36. Jeremiah Schwartz, Iowa State (FR)
37. Brian Lockridge, Colorado (SO)
38. John Hubert, Kansas State (FR)
39. Jarred Salubi, Baylor (FR)
40. Kye Staley, Oklahoma State (FR)
41. Timothy Flanders, Kansas 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

Running Back Profiles

ACC
Big Ten
Big East
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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