It’s never easy defining sleepers. Is a sleeper a player who is ranked after a certain point or is it someone who isn’t ranked? Receiver is probably the toughest position to figure out every year, but this also opens the door for a ton of sleeper picks to emerge.

With that in mind, this list takes into account each fantasy owner has a different knowledge set when it comes to college football. Don’t take a sleeper as your first wide receiver in 120 leagues, but consider taking these rushers as a WR3 or WR4, in hopes they can be a starting option this year.

2009 Wide Receiver Sleeper Candidates

ACC

Aldarius Johnson, Miami - Although the Miami offense wasn't terrible in terms of scoring offense (50th nationally), significant changes were made. Mark Whipple was brought in to be the offensive coordinator, and Robert Marve's transfer signals Jacory Harris is the clear No. 1 quarterback. Harris and Johnson were high school teammates and should only build upon their positive freshman season in 2009.

Dwight Jones, North Carolina - With Hakeem Nicks, Brooks Foster and Brandon Tate gone, the Tar Heels have to find a way to replace 114 of the team's 182 catches. Jones doesn't have a career catch, but has plenty of upside to select as a WR4.

Torrey Smith, Maryland - No Darrius Heyward-Bey means plenty of catches should be up for grabs in College Park. Smith caught 10 of his 24 receptions in the final two games and appears to be in position to be quarterback Chris Turner's top option.

Owen Spencer, NC State - The Wolfpack coaching staff wants to see Spencer be a little more consistent, but it's hard to argue with an average of 22.3 yards per catch. If quarterback Russell Wilson can stay healthy for a full year, expect improvement in terms of numbers from the Wolfpack receiving corps.

Jarmon Fortson/Bert Reed, Florida State - With Preston Parker, Corey Surrency and Greg Carr all gone from last year's receiving corps, the Seminoles desperately need Fortson and Reed to step up. Quarterback Christian Ponder has been raving about Fortson and one of these 'Noles could emerge as a solid WR4 this year.

Big East

Jamar Howard/D.J. Woods, Cincinnati - The Bearcats have a solid No. 1 option in Mardy Gilyard, but no clear second receiver. With Dominick Goodman moving on, there is plenty of room for a second fantasy receiver to emerge. Keep a close eye on these two players early in the year.

Scott Long, Louisville - Injuries have hampered Long's career, but if healthy, could be among the best receivers in the conference.

Big Ten

Mark Dell, Michigan State - Dell opened up plenty of eyes after catching nine passes for 202 yards and one score against California in the 2008 season opener, but failed to bolster another 100-yard effort the rest of the season. Dell certainly has the potential, but needs to show more week to week consistency in order to be a WR3 or WR4 fantasy option.

Jarred Fayson, Illinois - The Fighting Illini finally have a consistent No. 2 option to team with Arrelious Benn. Fayson, a Florida transfer, has plenty of upside and should catch 30-50 passes. Don't be surprised if Fayson is also a factor on special teams.

Martavious Odoms/Greg Mathews/Daryl Stonum, Michigan - Someone is going to catch passes from freshman quarterback Tate Forcier. Whichever player emerges as the top threat is worth a look on your fantasy roster.

DeVier Posey, Ohio State - Although the Buckeyes lose Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline, there's no reason to panic. Posey caught 11 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown last year and at six-foot-three, has enormous potential. Posey should be the go-to receiver for Terrelle Pryor and worth a look in all 120 formats.

Keith Smith, Purdue - Dorien Bryant and Desmond Tardy are gone, meaning Smith will be the No. 1 option for quarterback Joey Elliott. As the team's No. 3 receiver last year, Smith caught 49 passes for 486 yards and two scores. Although the Boilermakers could struggle with a new quarterback, Smith should see a bump in receiving yards and touchdowns.

Nick Toon, Wisconsin - If the Badgers can get consistent quarterback play from Dustin Sherer, Toon and teammates David Gilreath could be solid WR3 options each week. Toon caught only 17 passes last year, but had a strong spring and appears poised to earned more playing time this season.

Terrance Turner, Indiana - With Kellen Lewis dismissed from the team, the Hoosiers desperately need Turner to step up. Quarterback Ben Chappell has some promise, but Turner is likely only an option in select matchups.

Graham Zug, Penn State - Replacing Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood won't be easy, but the Nittany Lions have the benefit of a returning senior quarterback in Daryll Clark. Zug has 12 career receptions, but figures to be more involved in the offense this year. Although Zug makes this list, any of the Penn State starters deserve consideration.

Big 12

Darius Darks, Iowa State - Darks had a terrific freshman campaign, catching 49 passes for 477 yards and one score. The Cyclones have a solid quarterback in Austen Arnaud returning, but have to adjust to a new offensive scheme. If the switch in offensive schemes doesn't hold back the Cyclones this year, Darks could post 70 catches and six scores.

Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M - It's almost difficult to categorize Fuller as a sleeper, especially considering he ranked 68th among receivers in fantasy points last year. However, he's got enormous upside and could make a push into the top 25 of receivers this year. The key to Fuller's season is quarterback Jerrod Johnson. The junior was inconsistent last year, but an improvement under center would result in more catches and touchdowns for Fuller in 2009.

Adron Tennell, Oklahoma - With Juaquin Iglesias and Manuel Johnson out of eligibility, the Sooners have to replace 140 catches. Tennell was a top recruit coming out of high school, but hasn't lived up to expectations. If he finally reaches his potential, Tennell could be a 50 or 60 catch option.

Johnathan Wilson, Kansas - Teammates Dezmon Briscoe and Kerry Meier are top-25 fantasy options at receiver, but Wilson could sneak into the fantasy discussion this year. After catching 43 passes last year, don't be surprised if Wilson nabs 60 in 2009.

Malcolm Williams/Brandon Collins, Texas - Someone is going to pickup the 92 receptions Quan Cosby had last year, but is it Williams or Collins? Williams flashed potential by catching four passes for 182 yards and two scores against Texas Tech, but Collins had more overall receptions last year. Both players could be fantasy options by midseason.

Kendall Wright, Baylor - Similar to Jeff Fuller, it's almost difficult to list Wright in the sleeper section. After a 50 catch freshman season, Wright won't be under the radar in all leagues. However, quarterback Robert Griffin is only going to get better, meaning Wright's numbers should go up in 2009.

Conference USA

Cole Beasley, SMU - Owners know all about Aldrick Robinson and Emmanuel Sanders, but could a third receiver from SMU emerge as a potential fantasy threat?

Toren Dixon, Rice - The Rice offense averaged over 40 points and 400 yards per game last year, but with the losses of quarterback Chase Clement, tight end James Casey and receiver Jarett Dillard, don't expect anything close to those numbers this year. However, the Owls should still have some fantasy success, with Dixon being the No. 1 option.

Frantrell Forrest, UAB - Forrest missed two games last year, but posted three games of at least eight catches and had over 500 receiving yards. If quarterback Joseph Webb improves his passing numbers, Forrest should inch closer to 1,000 yards.

Trae Johnson, Tulsa - Two seasons ago, Johnson was one of the top fantasy receiving options in Conference USA. However, he had a disappointing act last year, catching 20 passes and only three scores. Johnson will be undervalued on draft day, but could be a great bargain.

Carlos Singleton, Memphis - At six-foot-eight, Singleton is one of the biggest receivers in college football. His size has proven to be a great asset inside of the redzone, as evidenced by his 19 touchdowns. The Tigers should be in great shape offensively this year, with the return of quarterback Arkelon Hall and running back Curtis Steele. If Hall continues to improve upon his 2008 numbers, Singleton should approach 10 touchdown catches.

Jeremy Williams, Tulane - A broken hand ended Williams' promising 2008 campaign five games into the year. Before suffering the injury Williams had five touchdown catches and two 100-yard performances. Although the Tulane quarterback situation is up for grabs, Williams should easily reach 50 catches and seven scores.

MAC

Robert Arnheim, Western Michigan - Could Arnheim be the next Kerry Meier? The converted quarterback caught seven passes last year, but is expected to play a larger role in the offense in 2009.

Freddie Barnes, Bowling Green - Injuries dampened Barnes' 2008 campaign, but there's plenty to like in his previous years. In 2007, he caught 82 passes and scored nine times. If new coach Dave Clawson gets his offense going in Bowling Green, look for Barnes to easily catch over 60 passes and five scores.

Jacory Stone, Eastern Michigan - With Tyler Jones out of eligibility, Stone figures to become the No. 1 option for Andy Schmitt. Although the Eagles probably won't throw it around as much as they did at the end of 2008, Stone could catch 90 to 100 passes.

Mountain West

Greg Bolling, Wyoming - With offensive guru (and former Missouri coordinator) Dave Christensen taking over in Laramie, look for the Cowboys to show improvement in the passing attack. Although we won't see Missouri type numbers in 2009, Bolling should improve upon his 26 catches from last year. 

Jereme Brooks/David Reed, Utah - The Utes not only have to find a replacement at quarterback for Brian Johnson, but they also have to replace their top three receivers from last year. Brooks and Reed combined for 55 receptions last year, but will assume a larger role in 2009.

Vincent Brown, San Diego State - Brown has quietly posted solid numbers over the last two years and if quarterback Ryan Lindley can stay healthy, he could have a 70 or 80 catch season. Keep Brown in mind as a late-round steal or one to grab off the waiver wire early in the year.

Pac-10

Darrell Catchings, Oregon State - After catching 33 passes in 2007, Catchings was a bit of a disappointment last year. In 13 games, he managed only seven receptions for 95 yards. James Rodgers is clearly the go-to guy in the passing game, but someone will pickup the 124 receptions Sammie Stroughter and Shane Morales leave behind.

D'Andre Goodwin, Washington - Goodwin was one of our sleepers last year and panned out relatively well, catching 60 passes for 692 yards and one score for a bad offense. With Jake Locker back in the fold, look for Goodwin to catch over 70 passes and five scores.

Jamere Holland, Oregon - With Aaron Pflugrad and Chris Harper transferring, the Ducks have a large void at receiver. Holland, a USC transfer, has great speed and a ton of upside. Worth a late-round pick or monitoring on the waiver wire early on.

Ronald Johnson, USC - Damian Williams is clearly the No. 1 option in Los Angeles, but there is room for Johnson or David Ausberry to emerge as a solid fantasy option in select weeks. Johnson finished third on the team with eight touchdown receptions last year and should up that total in 2009.

Marvin Jones/Nyan Boateng/Michael Calvin, California - Someone is going to catch passes from quarterback Kevin Riley. Could one of these Golden Bears emerge into a WR3 or WR4?

Terrell Turner/Delashaun Dean, Arizona - Expect Bug Wright to pickup some of Mike Thomas' catches, but Turner or Dean could have also significant fantasy impact. Dean and Turner combined for 96 receptions last year and this duo could hit 120 in 2009.

Bug Wright, Arizona - The next Mike Thomas?

SEC

Joe Adams, Arkansas - There should be plenty of passes to go around in Fayetteville this year and the Razorbacks have plenty of weapons. We like Adams' potential, especially after catching 30 passes as a freshman last year. 

Randall Cobb, Kentucky - Cobb is the Wildcats' top playmaker and with no other proven receivers, expect him to get the ball several times a game in a variety of ways. His all-around ability is certainly intriguing in the middle rounds, but concerns about the quarterback play could hold him back.

Andre Debose/Deonte Thompson, Florida - With Percy Harvin gone, the Gators will have a new No. 1 receiver. Debose is the most intriguing, especially since he has a similar build and skillset to Harvin. Thompson could emerge as the go-to downfield option, but the Gators have a deep cast of weapons, which could split the catch totals up. However, take a mid to late round pick on Debose or Thompson could pay big dividends.

Terence Jeffers, Vanderbilt - There's still a question mark about whether Jeffers will be eligible this season, but if he's on the field, he will make a impact for a team desperate for receivers.

Sun Belt

Malcolm Beyah/Desmond Gee, MTSU - Tony Franklin's offense may not have panned out at Auburn, but it worked pretty well for Troy a couple of seasons ago. Gee (a converted running back) or Beyah could catch a ton of passes in a new wide-open offense.

Michael Outlaw, North Texas - The Mean Green could have the worst defense in college football, so expect plenty of shootouts from this team in 2009. Casey Fitzgerald has expired his eligibility, but posted back-to-back 100 catch seasons. Could Outlaw be the next 100 catch player from Denton?

WAC

Rodney Bradley/Malcolm Lane, Hawaii - The 2009 version of the Hawaii offense won't be as prolific as the June Jones era, but expect some improvement from last year. Quarterback Greg Alexander appears to have settled into the job and either Bradley or Lane could be the No. 2 option in the receiving corps.

Stanley Morrison, Utah State - The Aggies could be one of the surprise teams in the WAC this year and a big reason why is the offense. Quarterback Diondre Borel has shown steady improvement, and new coordinator Dave Baldwin should add some punch to the offense. Morrison is the top returning leader in terms of catches on the Aggie roster and could emerge as the go-to threat for Borel.

Austin Pettis/Titus Young, Boise State - Someone will emerge as the new No. 1 option for quarterback Kellen Moore. We like Pettis a little more than Young, but both could be fantasy factors this year.

Chris Wellington, Nevada - No Marko Mitchell means the Wolf Pack will be searching for a new No. 1 target. Wellington caught 42 passes and six scores last year and figures to pickup some of Mitchell's 61 catches from 2008. Expect Wellington to emerge as the No. 1 receiving weapon for quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

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
Big East
Big 12
Pac-10
SEC
Non-BCS Pt. 1
Non-BCS Pt. 2

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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