1. Arrelious Benn, Illinois (JR) — Bye: 3, 12 — No. 11 overall wide receiver
Otherwise known as Rejus Benn, Arrelious is poised to have his best — and last — season for the Illini. Benn, who should be the first receiver taken in the 2010 NFL draft, is easily the most talented pass catcher in the conference. Combine this with a new offensive scheme which is likely to throw the ball more could make Benn an elite fantasy option. Having solid options on the other side of the field finally should also allow the big D.C. native some extra space to work. The Illini use his explosiveness in special teams and the running game as well so expect his touchdown total to move into the double digit range.
2008 stats - 180.2 fantasy points
Rushing: 101 yds., 2 TDs
Receiving: 67 rec, 1055 yds., 3 TDs
2. Eric Decker, Minnesota (SR) — Bye: 13 — No. 22 overall wide receiver
The Gophers return the top fantasy combination in the conference with quarterback Adam Weber and Decker. The offense is switching from a spread attack to a more traditional I-form power attack and likely means fewer passing plays. Before fantasy players write off the golden passing game in Minneapolis remember how much a good ground game can compliment the passing game. Decker is likely to face more single coverage as play action passes should be more effective. There also will be more eight man fronts than last season, allowing for more space in the secondary. Decker is still the top option on the team and will be the go-to man in the clutch — a la the red zone and third down. The former 27th round pick of the Twins is likely to be undervalued on draft day and could be a nice pick in the middle rounds.
2008 stats - 183 fantasy points
Rushing: 87 yds., TD
Receiving: 83 rec, 1077 yds., 7 TDs
3. DeVier Posey, Ohio State (SO) — Bye: 13 — No. 59 overall wide receiver
Not much is known about Posey, but what we do know, we like a lot. He works hard, runs crisp routes and has great hands. The AC100 prospect did not see a lot of time as a freshman but he saw enough to reach paydirt once. He continued his growth in the spring by connecting with Terrelle Pryor on several big plays. As TP2 develops, someone has to catch all those touchdowns and Posey figures to be the best bet at this point. He is a well-rounded player who may never deliver huge numbers but will be as consistent a player as there is in the conference.
2008 stats - 23.2 fantasy points
Rushing: --
Receiving: 11 rec, 117 yds., TD
4. Jarred Fayson, Illinois (JR) — Bye: 3, 12 — No. 89 overall wide receiver
The Illini finally have a legitimate compliment to Rejus Benn. Fayson sat out last season after transferring from Florida. As a true freshman he caught 12 passes for 148 yards and three scores while also adding 19 carries for 89 yards. You have to be pretty talented to see the field as a true freshman in Gainesville. However, he wanted to be featured and picked Illinois. This season, as Benn attracts double teams, Fayson could flourish in the new pass-happy Illini offense. He isn't likely to be drafted so a last round flier is definitely worth it as the ceiling for Fayson is extremely high.
2008 stats - none
5. David Gilreath, Wisconsin (JR) — Bye: 8, 13 — No. 101 overall wide receiver
This little burner is in a strange fantasy situation. He is a big time playmaker as his 168 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Indiana proved (or the four catches for 125 yards against Cal Poly). However, his usage in the offense is a bit of a question mark. Nick Toon, Garrett Graham and Kyle Jefferson all return around him and Gilreath could see his targets fall if that trio really breaks out the way UW fans expect. He is certain to still see opportunities in the ground game and special teams but the number of passes he catches is still in flux. Keep an eye on the other receivers and if Gilreath is steadily out performing them in fall camp, he is a legit option. If not, maybe just a spot starter. Maybe.
2008 stats - 125 fantasy points
Rushing: 285 yds., 2 TDs
Receiving: 31 rec, 520 yds., 3 TDs
6. Martavious Odoms, Michigan (SO) — Bye: 13 — No. 111 overall wide receiver
As the lesser of the heralded freshman recruits, Odoms quickly became the team's leading receiver. With 49 catches — and six games of at least five catches or more — Odoms outperformed most of the Wolverine receiving corp. Now, as he is teamed with several solid pass catching options, the Maize and Blue passing game can only improve from last season, which can mean only good things for Odoms' stat line. Not only does the line and running game return from last year but the quarterback play should be dramatically better. Even if a true freshman from San Diego is taking the snaps, Odoms' touchdown totals should be in the 4-6 range this season with upside for more.
2008 stats - 76.1 fantasy points
Rushing: 10 yds.
Receiving: 49 rec, 443 yds.
7. Graham Zug, Penn State (JR) — Bye: 13 — No. 112 wide receiver
Arguably the most productive receiving corp in Penn State history graduated after last season. Deon Butler, Jordon Norwood and Derrick Williams combined for over 6,000 yards and more than 100 touchdowns. With a senior leader returning at quarterback and a stellar ground attack still leading the way, there is room for a massive jump in production from more than just one Nittany receiver. Zug is the team's leading returning receiving in terms of yards and touchdowns (running back Stephfon Green is technically but is not a receiver). He gets the clubhouse nod as top fantasy option for stud passer Clark. There is some serious value in the Lions receiving corp, the issue is just making sure to draft the right one. Our money is on Zug.
2008 stats - 34.9 fantasy points
Receiving: 11 rec, 174 yds., 2 TDs
8. Mark Dell, Michigan State (JR) — Bye: 13 — No. 115 overall receiver
Every year around this time the Editors at Athlon get together and put together our sleepers list. Dell seems to be on this list every season. Well, we apparently have not learned our lesson because we still expect good things from Dell. The Spartan receiver teased owners with a nine-catch, 202-yard performance in week one against Cal last year only to disappoint the rest of the year. Injuries had a big hand in slowing Dell's growth last fall so 2009 could be the year.
2008 stats - 95.3 fantasy points
Receiving: 36 rec, 679 yds., 3 TDs
9. Keshawn Martin, Michigan State (SO) — Bye: 13
Martin stepped to campus last fall and generated plenty of hype in early fall camp. He is a deep threat and a big play receiver but failed to really make his mark. With uncertainty at the quarterback position and a crowded receiving corp (Dell, Blair White, B.J. Cunningham) returning, it might be difficult for Martin to make a big fantasy play in 2009. However, Martin is a speedy down-the-field player who will make big plays once the talented quarterback situation sorts itself out. This is purely an upside/talent pick because Martin has plenty of it. Adding to his potential value, Martin will also be a big part of the gimmick, trick play repertoire in order to get him the ball in space.
2008 stats - 23.8 fantasy points
Rushing: 51 yds.
Receiving: 11 rec, 132 yds.
10. Keith Smith, Purdue (JR) — Bye: 13
The Purdue football team is going through loads of transition in '09. Quarterback and offensive coaching staff are the most important issues for fantasy receivers. Smith returns after a solid sophomore campaign in which he almost caught 50 passes as the third stringer. With Greg Orton and Desmond Tardy departing, Smith should be one of the few proven options on an otherwise lackluster offense. The sooner the quarterback issue is sorted out the better for Smith owners. As the Boilers expect to be trailing plenty in the second halves, Smith could post some sneaky good fantasy stats with the passing game getting plenty of reps.
2008 stats - 85.5 fantasy points
Rushing: 4 yds.
Receiving: 49 rec, 486 yds., 2 TDs
11. Blair White, Michigan State (SR)
12. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Iowa (JR)
13. Terrance Turner, Indiana (JR)
14. Hayo Carpenter, Minnesota (JR)
15. Greg Mathews, Michigan (SR)
16. Jeremy Ebert, Northwestern (SO)
17. Brett Brackett, Penn State (JR)
18. Derek Moye, Penn State (SO)
19. Dane Sanzenbacher, Ohio State (JR)
20. Damarlo Belecher, Indiana (SO)
21. Lamaar Thomas, Ohio State (SO)
22. B.J. Cunningham, Michigan State (SO)
23. Kyle Jefferson, Wisconsin (JR)
24. Andrew Brewer, Northwestern (SR)
25. Ray Small, Ohio State (SR)
26. Nick Toon, Wisconsin (SO)
27. Darryl Stonum, Michigan (SO)
28. A.J. Jenkins, Illinois (SO)
29. Marvin McNutt, Iowa (SO)
30. Aaron Valentin, Purdue (SR)
31. Sidney Stewart, Northwestern (JR)
32. A.J. Price, Penn State (FR)
33. Chaz Powell, Penn State (SO)
34. Isaac Anderson, Wisconsin (JR)
35. Trey Stross, Iowa (SR)
36. Ben Kuznia, Minnesota (SR)
37. Duron Carter, Ohio State (FR)
38. Roy Roundtree, Michigan (FR)
39. Keenan Davis, Iowa (FR)
40. Mitchell Evans, Indiana (JR)
41. Jeff Cumberland, Illinois (SR)
42. Brandon Green, Minnesota (SO)
43. Keith Carlos, Purdue (JR)
44. Fred Smith, Michigan State (SO)
45. Taurian Washington, Ohio State (JR)
46. Terry Hawthorne, Illinois (FR)
47. Kraig Appleton, Wisconsin (FR)
48. Chris Duvalt, Illinois (SR)
49. Je'Ron Stokes, Michigan (FR)
50. Fred Sykes, Illinois (SO)
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
Wide Receiver Profiles
ACC
Big Ten
Running Back Profiles
ACC
Big Ten
Big East
Pac-10
SEC
Non-BCS Pt. 1
Non-BCS Pt. 2
RB Sleepers
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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