We continue to roll out, update, tweak, edit and revisit our projections 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.
2012 Position Rank: Somewhere in the Top 100 (how's that for a teaser?)
2012 Draft Kit Preview:
One-time walk-on was out for the spring due to an ankle injury. Reports have him ready to go come August, but these injury concerns, coupled with the running back talent in Norman, make Whaley a risky prop to repeat his 5.5 YPC. However a full season may see him surpass his nine scores from a season ago. Look for Brennan Clay and a yet-to-be-determined youngster steal some carries. Whaley is tough and runs hard, thus he'll see the field if healthy. However his role is less secure than many of the top returning national backs.
Extended Analysis:
Nothing but good news of late. Whaley says he's bigger and stronger and the ankle feels just fine and dandy. And while there's still the threat of shared carries with any of the other 15 backs on the Sooner roster, cross your fingers, it does look like Whaley should at least begin the season as the lead horse in Norman. But as mentioned in the preview above, draft with some trepidation.
Of course there is still quarterback Blake Bell and the Belldozer package to worry about. Keep in mind that package came about after Whaley went down. And even if they continue to roll out the hulking quarterback near the goal line, it is going to give defenses two power runners to worry about.
Final Thought:
Oh, there's one other concern. This kid from the Temple of Doom has made voodoo dolls of every OU lineman:
And when your line is getting hit it's not long before you are. Again, love Whaley. Like the Sooner offense. Just don't reach.