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, reception = 0.5 points

1. Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati (SR) — Bye Weeks: 6, 12 — No. 6 WR
Most fantasy owners expected Marcus Barnett to be the top Cincinnati receiver last year, but it Gilyard who stole the show. After logging 36 receptions in 2007, Gilyard significantly boosted his production with 81 catches and two scores on special teams. With Tony Pike back at quarterback, Gilyard is expecting a similar year in production. The Bearcats lose 10 starts on defense and it will be up to the offense to carry the load early on. Gilyard figures to top 1,000 yards and 10 scores once again, with potential to score a couple of times on special teams. Expect Gilyard to be one of the first 10 receivers off the board.

2008 stats: 198.7 fantasy points
Receiving: 81 rec., 1,276 yds., 11 TDs
Rushing: 10 yds.

2. Mike Williams, Syracuse (JR) — Bye Week: 7 — No. 70 WR
Williams missed last season due to academic issues, and was sorely missed in the passing game. Although the Orange struggled to get consistent play from the quarterbacks, the receiving corps lacked a true No. 1 option. Although Williams may have a little rust from his year off, he is stepping into a favorable fantasy situation this season. New coach Doug Marrone plans to spice up the offense and Williams should be the main weapon in the passing game. Ryan Nassib hasn't taken a snap of college ball, but Williams has battled shaky play at quarterback in previous years and has a lot of upside in 2009.

2008 stats: none

3. Tim Brown, Rutgers (SR) — Bye Weeks: 6, 10 — No. 94 WR
With the loss of Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood, the Scarlet Knights are essentially starting from scratch in the receiving corps. Not to mention, the Scarlet Knights also have to find a replacement for quarterback Mike Teel. Brown is the top returning receiver, with 27 catches for 565 yards and six scores last year. Although he should see more targets with the loss of Britt and Underwood, there is no guarantee Domenic Natale, Tom Savage, D.C. Jefferson or Jabu Lovelace will be as effective in the passing game. Brown is a nice late-round option on draft day, but if the offense struggles to replace Teel, don't expect too much fantasy value.

2008 stats: 84.3 fantasy points
Receiving: 27 rec., 565 yds., 6 TDs
Rushing: 34 yds., 1 TD

4. Jamar Howard, Cincinnati (JR) — Bye Weeks: 6, 12 — No. 98 WR
With the loss of Dominick Goodman, the Bearcats are searching for a new No. 2 weapon to pair with All-Big East performer Mardy Gilyard. While Gilyard should be among the top 10 fantasy receivers in the nation, Howard could make an immediate impact from the junior college ranks. At six-foot-four and 210 pounds, the Cincinnati native has an impressive skill set, but is unproven. It's difficult for fantasy owners to know what to expect from junior college transfers. Some recruits make an immediate impact, but some struggle with the transition to the FBS level. If Howard is as good as advertised, he should make plenty of plays opposite of Gilyard. Consider Howard a late-round sleeper pick and one to watch on the waiver wire early on.

2008 stats: none

5. Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh (SO) — Bye Weeks: 9, 12 — No. 100 WR
In terms of talent, Baldwin is certainly among the best in the Big East. However, the Panthers ranked 68th in the nation in passing offense last year and there's question marks about expected starter Bill Stull heading into this year. Even with a suspect passing game last year, Baldwin managed five games of at least two catches, including five for 81 yards against Rutgers. Considering the sophomore's talent and potential, fantasy owners would be wise to monitor his progress early in the year or draft him in the late rounds. However, a sluggish passing game will likely prevent him from being among the top 50 fantasy receivers.

2008 stats: 67.5 fantasy points
Receiving: 18 rec., 404 yds., 3 TDs
Rushing: 4 yds.

6. Jock Sanders, West Virginia (JR) — Bye Weeks: 4, 12 — No. 103 WR
An off the field incident has clouded Sanders' future with the team, but if he returns, the junior should be an all-around threat for the Mountaineers. With depth thin behind Noel Devine, expect Sanders to see some time as a running back, in addition to his duties in the slot. Sanders posted eight games of at least four catches, but failed to score in his last three games. With a new quarterback taking over in Morgantown, there's a lot of unknowns for the Mountaineer offense. However, Sanders should be able to post around 500 receiving yards once again.

2008 stats: 132.9 fantasy points
Receiving: 53 rec., 462 yds., 7 TDs
Rushing: 250 yds., 2 TDs

7. Jessie Hester, South Florida (SR) — Bye Weeks: 6, 10
The Bulls have a deep collection of receivers, and Hester should be the leader of this group in 2009. Fantasy owners would like to see Hester improve his touchdown total, but he posted a 10 catch game against Rutgers in mid-November and posted two games of seven catches. With quarterback Matt Grothe returning, there is plenty of upside for the Bulls offense in 2009. Grothe has been inconsistent throughout his career, but should see his best season as a senior. Hester is one to watch early in the year and could be a solid waiver wire pickup or spot starter in 2009.

2008 stats: 95.4 fantasy points
Receiving: 54 rec., 579 yds., 3 TDs
Rushing: none

8. Alric Arnett, West Virginia (SR) — Bye Weeks: 4, 12
Despite losing Pat White, the Mountaineers think they will be fine on offense this season. With senior Jarrett Brown taking over under center, the Mountaineers plan to throw more and they have a solid cast of receivers that can make plays. Arnett is a big weapon at six-foot-2 and also has the speed to stretch the field. Arnett came on strong at the end of last season, catching seven passes for 93 yards and two scores against North Carolina and he should be able to carry that over into 2009. Brown has the potential to have a big year, but take a wait and see approach on the fantasy value on the Mountaineer receivers.

2008 stats: 70.7 fantasy points
Receiving: 35 rec., 466 yds., 6 TDs
Rushing: -4 yds.

9. Doug Beaumont, Louisville (JR) — Bye Week: 2
Beaumont was a great value in points per reception leagues last year, as he nabbed 62 passes. However, Beaumont didn't find the endzone and posted only two 100-yard games. With Hunter Cantwell out of eligibility, the Cardinals have an unsettled situation under center and could be a real concern this year. None of the passers on the roster has thrown a pass in a Louisville uniform and the battle to replace Cantwell should continue into the fall. If the quarterback position stabilizes, Beaumont should once again post over 60 catches. However, fantasy owners would be wise to take a wait and see approach with Beaumont and the Louisville quarterbacks.

2008 stats: 97.7 fantasy points
Receiving: 62 rec., 750 yds., 0 TDs
Rushing: 47 yds.

10. D.J. Woods, Cincinnati (SO) — Bye Weeks: 6, 12
With Dominick Goodman expiring his eligibility, the Bearcats are searching for a new No. 2 option in the receiving corps. Junior college transfer Jamar Howard is in contention to pickup some of the 84 catches Goodman had last year, but Woods is also one to watch. As a true freshman last year, he grabbed 14 passes for 168 yards and averaged 9.4 yards per punt return. With plenty of catches available, fantasy owners would be wise to watch battle for the No. 2 spot in Cincinnati.

2008 stats: 23.8 fantasy points
Receiving: 14 rec., 168 yds., 0 TD

11. Kashif Moore, Connecticut (SO)
12. Carlton Mitchell, South Florida (JR)
13. Wes Lyons, West Virginia (SR)
14. Josh Chichester, Louisville (SO)
15. Logan Heastie, West Virginia (FR)
16. Scott Long, Louisville (SR)
17. Donte Davis, Syracuse (JR)
18. Cedric McGee, Pittsburgh (SR)
19. Oderick Turner, Pittsburgh (SR)
20. Bradley Starks, West Virginia (SO)
21. Dontavia Bogan, South Florida (JR)
22. Mason Robinson, Rutgers (JR)
23. Brad Kanuch, Connecticut (SR)
24. Lavar Lobdell, Syracuse (SR)
25. Trent Guy, Louisville (SR)
26. Isiah Moore, Connecticut (FR)
27. Julian Hayes, Rutgers (JR)
28. Armon Binns, Cincinnati (JR)
29. Marcus Sales, Syracuse (SO)
30. Tim Wright, Rutgers (SR)
31. A.J. Love, South Florida (JR)
32. Dwayne Difton, Connecticut (FR)
33. Troy Pascley, Louisville (JR)
34. Aundre Wright, Pittsburgh (SO)
35. Da'Mon Merkerson, Syracuse (JR)
36. Marcus Easley, Connecticut (SR)
37. Keith Stroud, Rutgers (FR)
38. Patrick Richardson, South Florida (SO)
39. Theo Wilson, South Florida (SR)
40. Eddie Poole, Rutgers (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

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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