Most of you probably equate Leonard Nimoy with Dr. Spock from Star Trek. I was never a Star Trek fan as kid and pretty much loathe anything sci-fi (I yet to Avatar and probably never will) .
But I was a fan of one of Nimoy's shows. A little paranormal documentary series on PBS called In Search Of...I mean what kid wasn't infatuated with tales of Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster? I can still hear the tantric music overlay with Nimoy's voice ringing in my head.
As fantasy owners we are always in search of the next fantasy stud. It is easy to go through the list of past performers. But what about the guys that are going to emerge? Well Nimoy's voice popped into my head the other day and Jim's talk of surprise players sparked an idea for a mini-series of articles. You guessed it, it's called In Search Of...
Must have the ability to run and pass. Must play in a conference that considers playing defense optional. Must have game experience, preferable starting experience.
Candidate Tyler Bass, QB, Memphis
Why: Despite the limited resume of Mr. Bass, there are statistical similarities to Dasher. Both are dual-threat quarterbacks that can beat you with their arm or feet. Bass has a rushing average of 4.6 yards per carry, while Dasher is 4.7. Bass has a 12.3 yards per completion average, while Dasher is 12.6. Could Bass be more accurate? Bass has a 67 percent completion percentage to Dasher's 54 percent. Of course Bass has thrown 508 less passes. Just small difference there.
Bass plays in Conference USA, which is only a slight step up from the Sun Belt. Both saw action as true freshman. Bass has starting experience and is entering his third year, the same as when Dasher took over the starting job permanently in 2009.
One other eerie similarity. Last season Middle Tennessee State welcomed in Tony Franklin as their offensive coordinator. This year Memphis brings in a coach with a similar offensive philosophy in Eric Price.
Why Not: Unlike Dasher, Bass didn't exit spring practice as the starter. So needless to say, he still has a little bit of work to do. Bass is also coming off shoulder surgery last year and also had knee surgery in 2008.
Final Verdict: It is going to be tough justifying a draft pick on Bass, especially when he hasn't won the starting gig yet. However, he has potential and schedule conducive to putting up fantasy points. Keep him on your radar.
Why: Despite playing behind Joe Webb, Isabelle was second on the team in rushing with a 9-yard per carry average. Like Dasher, he had a very strong spring, a sign that he is ready to take over the offense and be a force.
Like Bass, Isabelle also plays in Conference USA and opens up with games against Florida Atlantic and SMU. There could be waiver wire fight for Isabelle after Week One.
Why Not: At 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, he's a tall drink of water. Can he withstand the pounding of a full-time quarterback? Especially if he is going to carry the ball 15 times a game. By comparison, Dasher checks in a 5-foot-10 and roughly two bills. Much more compact and built to take the punishment. Isabelle's passing skills are still unknown and I would care to bet his rushing average gets cut nearly in half.
Final Verdict: A little less of a gamble than Bass as Isabelle is the clear starter. If you are in an all-120 league that rewards rushing quarterbacks, he could be worth a late round flier pick.