We continue to roll out, update, tweak, edit and revisit ourprojections and previews prior to your fantasy draft. And while doing so we're going to occasionally take a more-detailed look at some of the nation's more intriguing stars for 2012.
The players featured over the next month or so may not be the top player at their respective positions, but they'll be ones that caused the most discussion around our roundtable or appear poised for a breakout or letdown campaign.
Breakdowns of college football's top offensive stars can of course be found in the CFFInsider.com 2012 Draft Kit.
Wes Lunt, QB, Oklahoma State
2012 Player Ranking: #1 ranked Keeper QB
2012 Draft Kit Preview:
On April 26th the 6-4, true freshman Lunt was handed the keys to one of America's fastest offenses. He simply outplayed the two other quarterbacks during spring ball and now becomes not only a top quarterback in 2012 drafts, but possibly the most valuable keeper quarterback in the country. However before you get all crazy keep in mind that a true freshman will struggle at times, no matter the offense and no matter how much skill talent surrounds.
Extended Analysis:
The fact that a true freshman beat out a two-year backup and some familiar with the offensive system in Clint Chelf tells you all you need to know about Lunt's abilities. If there is one thing coach Mike Gundy has proven he can do, it is groom quarterbacks. Zac Robinson and Brandon Weeden have been fantasy gems for owners the last five years and there is no reason to believe Lunt won't follow in their footsteps... eventually.
Here is where the words of caution come in. He's a freshman quarterback and in my 12+ years of playing college fantasy football, I can't think of a single true freshman quarterback that has ever lead a team to a championship in one of my leagues. Couple that with the fact that the Pokes will also be looking for someone to replace Justin Blackmon and this is shaping up to be a bit of a rebuilding year for the passing attack.
Final Thought:
If you are in a keeper league, Lunt should be a top target. He'll likely be a stud at some point and if he turns out to be a stud right out of the shoot, all the better. But if you are in a non-keeper league avoid the temptation of drafting Lunt, except in the later rounds as a backup.