Last year's insurance policy list became a who's who of college fantasy football, and this year's group has just as much potential. Protect yourself for the future with one of these fine talents in case your stud goes down.
Running Backs
Trent Richardson, Alabama - I think this one goes without saying. While I dismiss the notion that Richardson is a better back than Mark Ingram, there is no denying he is one of the top backs in the country. He'll see his carries, even more so if Ingram gets hurt, which is a possibility given Mr. Heisman's running style.
Ray Graham, Pitt - Graham was expected to be the next LeSean McCoy when he was recruited last year. But Dion Lewis got the jump on Graham by enrolling early and participating in spring ball. The rest is history, but Graham is a talent waiting in the wings.
Darren Evans, Virginia Tech - Evans is a former 1000-yard and double digit touchdown rusher. Now he must wait his turn behind Ryan Williams. This could be a messy situation for fantasy owners unless injuries trim the field to one.
Tavon Austin, West Virginia - The heir apparent to Noel Devine. He'll play some receiver this year, but his real value will shine through if Devine gets dinged up.
Kenjon Barner, Oregon - It's always good to have a backup Oregon running back in the stable. Barner showed flashes last year, including in the Rose Bowl against Ohio State when LaMichael James was dinged up. He'll carry the load in Week One against New Mexico with James serving his suspension and should James twist an ankle or pull a hamstring, Barner will see even more action.
Jermie Calhoun, Oklahoma - Demarco Murray has a history of injury problems. If he goes down, Calhoun will take over the Sooners' running game. Calhoun should also be a force around the goal line.
Mike Ball, Nevada - If Vai Taua stays healthy, Ball will split #2 carries with Lampford Mark. If Taua is injured, Ball looks like the guy that will slide into the starting spot.
Larry Caper / Edwin Baker, Michigan State - If both are healthy, it is tough to draft one. If one goes down, be the first on the waiver wire.
Quarterbacks
Cotton Turner, Houston - God forbid Case Keenum crack his thumb on the helmet of one of his offensive linemen throwing a pass or twist his ankle celebrating another touchdown pass. Don't let your season go up in smoke
Shavodrick Beaver, Tulsa - The way G.J. Kinne was thrown around last year it might be a wise idea to grab Beaver as a backup plan.
Clint Chelf / Johnny Deaton, Oklahoma State - Whoever wins the backup job immediately becomes a keeper consideration as well as a potential waiver wire pickup should old man Brandon Weeden pull up lame.
Steven Sheffield / Taylor Potts, Texas Tech - The ultimate handcuff play of 2010. Though, in this case owning both could be your worst nightmare. Just think back to last season's quarterback roulette. Is owning two starting quarterbacks to fill one fantasy roster spot wise?
Shane Austin / David Graves, Hawaii - It is probably apparent by now that I'm not a big Bryant Moniz fan. And it has nothing to do with what happened during the offseason, but his play on the field. Opening up against Nick Perry and a pissed off USC team is not a good way to begin the season. Then they travel to the mainland -- that has not been kind to the Warriors in the past -- for a two game stretch. West Point and Boulder are a long way from home, and a shaky start by Moniz and it could be trouble.
Blake Bell, Oklahoma - Landry Jones was on the list last year and his policy was cashed in by Week Two. With the way Oklahoma's offensive line played a season ago, it only stands to reason that we issue a rider on the young Mr. Bell.
Keep in mind, most of the above are also great keeper league picks. Watch for more in-depth keeper league information on the blogs.