2008 Look Ahead: ACC Atlantic

Brian McDonald
Senior Editor
December 10, 2007
The ACC has been one of the most overlooked conferences in BCS and national fantasy leagues and these oversights likely stem from a previous glut of less-than-stellar programs. Jim Grobe’s work at Wake Forest and Butch Davis’ commitment to rebuilding North Carolina have these former also-rans producing viable fantasy talent, and the overall talent level is improving considerably. Due to graduations there will be no conference with a greater necessity for more in-depth scouting than the ACC, and there are diamonds in the rough that will be available next August. Take a peek at the 2007 All-ACC Team listed below. There are a lot of asterisks there, and those mean there are many great fantasy performers moving on. Stars like Matt Ryan and Tashard Choice will be hard to replace, yet there is certainly a great deal of talent that remains. This is the third in a series of articles that takes a cursory look at what can be anticipated as we move towards the 2008 college fantasy football season. Granted a great deal can change, however this is our gut feeling on players to watch as spring ball will be here before you know it. Today we take a look at the Atlantic Division of the ACC. Before we do move forward, here’s a look at the All-ACC fantasy team of 2007. An asterisk notes those players that have either exhausted their eligibility (*) or may be candidates to forego their remaining years on campus (**). Please keep in mind that any speculation is just that, speculation and we’ll have more on these potential early entries candidates as information becomes available. 2007 All ACC Fantasy Team QB: Matt Ryan* 273.23 RB: Andre Callender* 188.73 RB: Tashard Choice* 160.63 WR: Aaron Kelly** 135.66 WR: Kenneth Moore* 135.13 TE: Ryan Purvis 58.73 K: Mark Buchholz 106 D: Virginia Tech Boston College Eagles Will be missed next year: A quarterback of Matt Ryan’s ability and moxie isn’t easily replaced. However when one looks at Ryan’s numbers, he begins to wonder if the Eagles’ quarterback was hyped a bit too much. 30 total touchdowns will make many fantasy owners happy, but his 18 picks stand out a bit when a quarterback throws 12 in his final six games. Ryan’s good. He’ll certainly be missed. However we wouldn’t be surprised if next year’s starter at Boston College puts up comparable numbers in the Jagodzinski/Logan offense. Andre Callender accounted for over 1600 yards of offense and 13 scores and seemingly no one noticed. Owners often get caught up in rushing totals and overlook the back that puts up 75 yards rushing and 75 yards receiving on a weekly basis. Callender was a run-catch back who was more than just Ryan’s security blanket, and while Ryan will certainly be considered the primary hole to fill in 2008, it’s clear that Callender will be missed in Chestnut Hill. Fantasy Star of 2008: Chris Crane has the inside track for the starting quarterback job, and this, coupled with the loss of both Callender and Whitworth, makes Crane the likely fantasy star in the Boston College offense. Crane is more athletic than Ryan, and this ability to run is a key component of the Jagodzinski system. He’ll have to deal with some breakdowns in protection thanks to inexperienced backs, but he’ll be able to make some things happen. If, for some reason, you find that your entire 2008 college fantasy system comes down to the Boston College quarterback, you’ll also want to nab Codi Boek, a JUCO transfer who’ll be coming in next fall. By all accounts the 6’3” signal caller from American River College is a decent prospect (missed a good deal of this season with injury), however he’ll likely need a significant amount of time as he makes the journey from JUCO in Sacramento to the ACC. Fantasy sleeper of 2008: Verbal commitments are just that…verbal. They’re also non-binding. Still, being the trusting souls we are, when a kid says he’s going to a school we take his word and hope for the best. If you’re looking for a sleeper next year and a potential star down the road, nab incoming running back Josh Haden. The highly-touted, all-purpose back chose the Eagles over some very big-name programs, and certainly the clear opening at the starting tailback spot played a role in this young man’s decision. He’ll get his chance next summer, and he should see the field next fall. 2008 Fantasy Outlook: Normally when a team sees the type of offensive skill turnover that the Eagles will see in 2008 it’s easy to write off their fantasy prospects. I don’t think this is the case with Boston College. This is not a Tom O’Brien offense, and while there will be growing pains, the Eagles’ offense will put up some points, especially against ACC also-rans. Expect Crane to start at quarterback, watch the running back battle closely, and draft wide receiver Rich Gunnell and TE Ryan Purvis. Clemson Will be missed next year: It appears that James Davis, Aaron Kelly and even Cullen Harper are going to turn in some paperwork to have the NFL evaluate their draft readiness. This makes it awfully difficult to analyze next year’s personnel losses. Still common sense sees both Harper and Kelly returning, based primarily on the expected draft strength at their respective positions. Still, we’ll move forward under the assumption that all three will return along with Coach Tommy Bowden, who flirted with Arkansas before deciding to remain at Clemson. If all do indeed return the Tigers will be looking at no significant losses as they head into 2008, and this should scare the hell out of the rest of the ACC. Gut instinct (and recent comments made by the back himself) has James Davis playing on Sunday in 2008. Fantasy Star of 2008: In his first year as starting quarterback Cullen Harper was the best quarterback in the ACC, and he was a top national signal caller. His 30 total touchdowns matched the number produced by Matt Ryan, but Harper did it with 12 fewer interceptions. With two (at the very least, one) outstanding tailbacks drawing defensive attention, and the expected freshman to sophomore growth, Harper will reside at the top of many quarterback draft boards. If Harper does decide to take his act to Sundays, stud recruit Willy Korn becomes a great fantasy option, for both 2008 and beyond. Provided one of these two is under center next season the Clemson quarterback is a prime fantasy position. Of course a Clemson offense without James Davis makes C.J. Spiller a top ten national back. We'll have to wait to see how that plays out. Fantasy sleeper of 2008: For a team that may have its entire skill player set returning, one must get a little creative to find a sleeper. We once again turn to Willy Korn. The dual-threat sophomore-to-be is one tackle away from taking the reigns of Clemson’s offense, and he may never look back. If you’re fortunate to own Cullen Harper, then you must have Willy Korn. If you don’t have Cullen Harper, then a late-round flyer on Korn is definitely recommended. If Aaron Kelly does decide to leave, we'll once again be looking at the burner Jacoby Ford, who had his season cut short due to a broken ankle. 2008 Team Fantasy Outlook: This will be the ACC’s best offense. This will be one of the nation’s best offenses. Very few teams will be as explosive, and very few teams will be as balanced. Defensive coordinators will have to pick their poison, and it will not be pretty. The Tigers will likely be a chic pick to win it all in 2008, and while I think their defensive shortcomings may cost them a shot at the big one, this will be one team to stock up on during the draft. Florida State Will be missed in 2008: De’Cody Fagg, like many of his FSU cohorts, didn’t quite have the senior season many had hoped for, but he was a steady performer in an offense that, once again, disappointed. 49-707-5 are fine numbers, and Fagg will likely have an opportunity to play football for money, but there is certainly talent waiting for a chance to shine. Fantasy star in 2008: After years of waiting for Antone Smith to take off, it appears that Florida State may have found its next great breakaway back, and he was practicing with the wide receivers all this time. Sophomore Preston Parker saw 32 carries over the final two games, and he gained 181 yards. He also showed enough burst to make a permanent switch from wide receiver to running back a likelihood. There’s concern here that Parker will have a hard time withstanding the pounding as a feature back, but if spotted correctly Parker could be the back FSU fans have been waiting for. Fantasy sleeper of 2008: Anyone who believes that seniors-to-be Drew Weatherford or Xavier Lee have done enough to be exclusively considered as the candidates for the starting gig next year is insane. Each has driven owners crazy and neither should be considered a lock to start in 2008. With this in mind we’ll deem QB Christian Ponder our FSU fantasy sleeper. The young Texas product showed potential when forced into action at Virginia Tech. Sure, it’s easy to get wrapped up in his hat trick during that performance: fumble, interception (2) and safety, however his arm strength and ability to scramble certainly caught the attention of the Seminoles’ coaching staff. And can he really be much worse than the Weatherford and Lee tandem? 2008 Fantasy Outlook: We’re tired of predicting breakout performers from the Florida State offense. We bought into the Jimbo Fisher hype last summer and then no FSU player accounted for more than nine scores, and this was a quarterback. The field general position will likely remain unsettled until late August, the running back is a converted wide receiver, and Greg Carr caught 11 balls in his final four games. This remains an offensive unit to avoid. Maryland Terrapins Will be missed in 2008: The Terrapins lose about 1600 yards of offense and 25 scores from the running back spot, and this type of production and leadership will prove difficult to replace. Keon Lattimore and Lance Ball were steady performers this past season and there appear no clear-cut options to replace these two fine performers. Yes, Da’Rel Scott looks promising, but the loss of these two seniors will lead to growing pains for Maryland’s offense. Fantasy Star of 2008: Darrius Heyward-Bey is the fastest wide receiver to ever suit up for Maryland, and he’s coming off two very nice seasons. Heyward-Bey will look to improve upon a 2007 season which saw him collect nearly 800 yards from scrimmage with only three scores. Heyward-Bey will look to become more consistent in 2008, and while he’ll be keyed on by opposing defenses, we’re expecting something close to 1000 yards and a considerable spike in his touchdown totals. Fantasy Sleeper of 2008: Da'Rel Scott played very well in the season-ending win over North Carolina State, and he appears the leader for the starting running back job next season. The redshirt freshman from Pennsylvania struggled with injuries all season, and he’ll look to make noise as the number one guy. This kid can fly, and he may be a breakout star in ACC next season. 2008 Fantasy Outlook: The quarterback position will be interesting. Jordan Steffy’s concussion against Rutgers (and subsequent absence) and Josh Portis’ suspension for an academic indiscretion placed sophomore Chris Turner into the starting role. While Turner may not have sealed the job with his performance, it’s safe to say he certainly didn’t lose it. He’ll likely be the favorite entering camp, but this is not a done deal. Couple the quarterback issues with the question marks at the tailback, and Heyward-Bey will be the only Terrapin that owners should seriously consider. North Carolina State Wolfpack Will be missed in 2008: TE Marcus Stone and WR Darrell Blackman appear to be the significant losses for the Wolfpack offense. Stone took over when talented TE Anthony Hill suffered a season-ending knee injury over the summer, and he exceeded our expectations with a 36-452-1 senior season. Blackman scored twice against Clemson, yet he was unable to find the endzone in any other games. Blackman finished the season strong with 114 and 98-receiving yard performances in N.C. State’s final two games, and his steady production, while a loss, is certainly not irreplaceable. Fantasy star in 2008: Wide receiver Donald Bowens, fresh off a 41-598-3 sophomore season, will join Anthony Hill as a go-to guy in the Wolfpack offense. Most exciting about Bowens is his explosive nature, as evident by his 11-202-2 performance against Virginia. There are question marks at running back, and a potential quarterback battle on the horizon, however Donald Bowens appears the sure thing on the offensive unit. Fantasy sleeper of 2008: Anthony Hill is working his way back, and thanks to a medical redshirt, the talented tight end should be back in the lineup come next September. Recent reports have Hill ready to begin running by the first of the year. While we’re also optimistic about he return of RB Toney Baker, whose season was cut short thanks to a knee injury in Wolfpack opener, the RB is not expected to be running until well into the spring. Hill’s history, and the dearth of top-flight tight end prospects, make him a likely fantasy star in 2008 as he looks to return to his form from 2006. 2008 Fantasy Outlook: If 2007 is any indication of what we can expect from Tom O’Brien’s N.C. State offense, then it will not be very fantasy friendly. Too many running backs gets significant carries, and too many receivers/tight ends get redzone looks. Now I know in the case of running backs a great deal of these split-carry games were the direct result of injuries. Still, if everyone comes back from injury, there will be a great number of tailbacks to keep happy (Andre Brown, Jamelle Eugene and Toney Baker), and this makes the Wolfpack yet another ACC squad to shy away from on draft day. Wake Forest Demon Deacons Will be missed next year: Kenneth Moore was a fine run/catch producer for the Demon Deacons, and he shined in an under-the-radar fashion. Moore touched the ball 128 times, gained over 1200 yards and scored nine times. He was a consistent performer yet was overlooked by many due to Wake Forest’s conservative nature on offense. Fantasy Star of 2008: Running back Josh Adams is the present and future of the Wake Forest offense, and should he stay healthy Adams will be a very productive back for a while. The redshirt freshman had three games with over 100 yards, and while this isn’t enough to have us jumping up and down, he did get the ball 231 times from scrimmage, and with the expected improvement both strength-wise and in ability to read blocks, Adams is certainly a top ACC back and he should be ranked up there with the Clemson boys. Fantasy sleeper of 2008: Wide receiver Jordan Williams is a sophomore-to-be who can be expected to pick up a great deal of the production lost in the passing game. Williams is 6’3” and he can fly. He only saw action in the final four games, and the highlight of his eight-catch season was a 62-yard score against North Carolina State. The fact that his only catch in the season finale against Vandy went for 43 yards points to Williams having a big-play future. The Florida product is definitely one to watch. 2008 Team Fantasy Outlook: Not as bad as one might think. Riley Skinner is a solid quarterback, though he’ll never be a national fantasy starter and Josh Adams is going to be a workhorse once again. This will make Wake a productive offense, but only Josh Adams is truly worth a high draft pick. Of course the defensive unit is certainly in play, and a good fantasy squad can get by with the Demon Deacon defense. So we’re looking at Adams and the defensive unit as clear-cut starters, and a supporting cast that will only be valuable in the event of an injury barrage.

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