We kick-off our annual conference look aheads with the Big Ten. Look for a new conference breakdown each week. Please not that these look aheads are intended to whet the appetite of the fantasy owner certain to suffer college football withdrawal. A great deal can change between now and next week, let alone months down the road.
Though I’m not a huge fan of piling on, or kicking someone or something when down, it is abundantly clear the in addition to struggling to maintain its status among the BCS elite, the Big Ten football conference also failed to produce a great number of fantasy stars in 2008. For every Javon Ringer and Shonn Greene there were many players (Curtis Painter, Kellen Lewis, Greg Orton) that failed to meet expectations. And with the departures of Chris Wells, Greene, Ringer and Kory Sheets there will be a dearth of running back star power in 2009. Of course, not all hope is lost; and as we’ve emphasized time and time again, when a star leaves a gaping hole in an offensive unit there’s always a hungry whippersnapper ready to step in and seize the day.
The Big Ten is a conference in the midst of a transition, and there will be more questions than answers as we look toward the 2009 campaign: How much improvement will be seen from the Michigan offense? What significant changes can we expect in a Joe Tiller-less West Lafayette? Was the Zooker’s success a one-year anomaly in Champaign-Urbana? Just how much better will sophomore Terrelle Pryor be in 2009? These questions will make for a whole bunch of high-risk/high-reward players on draft day next summer.
Before we do move forward, here’s a look at the All-Big Ten fantasy team of 2008. Asterisks note those players that are expected to return in 2009.
2008 All-Big Ten Fantasy Team
QB: Juice Williams*
RB: Javon Ringer
RB: Shonn Greene
WR: Eric Decker*
WR: Arrelious Benn*
TE: Garrett Graham*
K: Kevin Kelly
D: Penn State
Penn State Nittany Lions 11-2
Fantasy starters lost: WR Derrick Williams, WR Deon Butler, WR Jordan Norwood, K Kevin Kelly
Returning : QB Daryll Clark, RB Evan Royster, RB Stephfon Greene
Looking to Emerge: WR Graham Zug, WR Chaz Powell, WR Derek Moye, RB A.J Wallace
O-line outlook: The senior-laden line will see major changes next year. Rest assured young talent is present.
D Returning Starters: 4
Look Back
Daryll Clark overcame a late-season swoon with a huge game against Michigan State, and he thus concluded a very productive campaign, totaling a surprising 26 touchdowns. Clark produced six games with more than three touchdowns, and the year was capped with his five-score day against MSU in the finale. Evan Royster’s 1357 yards from scrimmage and 12 scores placed him among the Big Ten running back elite, and the receiving triumvirate of Williams, Butler and Norwood totaled 21 scores of their own. A 2008 season that began with a great number of questions on offense found nothing but answers as the dynamic offense led a balanced attack which culminated in a Rose Bowl birth, where the Lions ran into a defensive buzzsaw.
Will be missed next season
The debate over whether he met the lofty signing day expectations will likely never end. What cannot be debated is that Derrick Williams will be missed terribly in 2009, and his departure, coupled with the losses of fellow senior wide receivers Jordan Norwood and Deon Butler will demand the rapid maturation of some young receivers.
Williams was a spark player, the type to turn a game around with a big catch, momentum-changing kick return or a key run around the end. Can someone else emerge to score nine times from the WR spot? Certainly, but finding a leader to fill the intangibles void left when Williams took off his #2 jersey in Pasadena will prove much tougher.
Likely Offensive Star in 2009
There was a huge sigh of relief felt all the way from State College to Altoona back in September, and it involved an extra year of eligibility being awarded to Daryll Clark (which played a role in Pat Devlin’s decision to transfer to Delaware). Clark will team with Evan Royster to lead an offensive unit that will have holes in the passing game, but the senior quarterback will make the transition from veteran receiving corps to a green one much easier. 26 scores in 2009 may be too much to ask, but Clark may still battle Terrelle Pryor, Juice Williams and Adam Weber and emerge as the top fantasy quarterback in the conference.
Potential Breakout Star in 2009
Look for Graham Zug to emerge as the primary receiver, thus he should have fantasy-worthy numbers, at least in Big Ten leagues. He’ll have to share receptions, especially red zone receptions with two solid returning tight ends, Mickey Shuler and Andrew Quarless. Another name to keep in mind is the burner A.J. Wallace, especially in the return game. Wallace will not see many touches as a DB, but he could be used in a Derrick Williams running role on offense.
Freshman Flyer
Kevin Kelly will move on from Happy Valley, and he’ll leave a big void in the Penn State kicking game. The Lions will welcome Anthony Fera from Houston, Texas and the one-time Michigan recruit will look to seize the job from the moment he sets foot in State College.
Ohio State Buckeyes 10-3
Fantasy starters lost: RB Chris Wells, WR Brian Robiskie
Returning: QB Terrelle Pryor, WR Brian Hartline, K Ryan Pretorius
Looking to Emerge: RB Daniel “Boom” Herron, WR DeVier Posey
O-line prospects: Three starters will return, while Alex Boone leaves large void.
D Returning Starters: 6
Look Back
It wasn’t supposed to happen this quickly, but Terrelle Pryor took over the offense early on and didn’t look back. And once Chris Wells returned to the lineup teams were forced to pick their poison, and each proved a killer. Brian Robiskie was as close to a pro receiver that you’ll find in college: consistent, steady and a great route runner, and he teamed with Brian Hartline to help expedite Pryor’s growth.
Will be missed next season
Good bye Mr. Wells. The Bucks have had their share of great tailbacks, but I’m not sure anyone has combined such power and breakaway speed. Wells emerged while a freshman in 2006 as an explosive, punishing back, and despite an injury-riddled 2008, he remained the dominating force: stiff-arming, outrunning, and then stiff-arming some more. The Buckeyes reload, and Daniel Herron looks ready to roll. But replacing Beanie will prove a tough chore.
Likely Offensive Star in 2009
The consensus #1 recruit each season is always a talented fella. But every so often an athletic marvel comes along, and 2008 was such a season. Terrelle Pryor has a ways to go as a pocket passer, and these shortcomings were on display in the Fiesta Bowl. But watching this gazelle cast would-be tacklers aside and then outrun secondary units give reason for owners to believe that we will be looking at a possible All-American as early as 2009. The clear quarterback of the present and future will get better and better this off-season, and the dual-threat QB will prove a nightmare for opponents.
Potential Breakout Star in 2009
Chris Wells showcased what he could do in spot duty while spelling Antonio Pittman. Boom Herron stepped in when Chris Wells couldn’t go. In each case Buckeye fans were privy to a sneak peek and thus a reason for optimism heading into the following season.
Herron averaged nearly five years per carry and scored five times in 2008. He appears a lock for 1100 and 11 in 2009.
Freshman Flyer
The sweater vest doesn’t just work his magic in the Midwest. He can head down to Florida, put on some shorts and black socks, and reel in the likes of stud running back Jaamal Berry. Berry is a consensus top incoming back, and talents like this don’t travel all the way up I-75 to wait their turn.
Next year looks like Daniel Herron’s time to shine, but Mr. Berry will have plans to crash Boom’s party.
Michigan State Spartans 9-4
Fantasy starters lost: RB Javon Ringer, QB Brian Hoyer
Returning: WR Mark Dell, WR Blair White, WR B.J. Cunningham, TE Charlie Gantt, K Brett Swenson
Looking to Emerge: QB Keith Nichol, QB Kirk Cousins, RB Glenn Winston, RB Edwin Baker (Fr), RB Larry Caper (Fr), WR Keshawn Martin
O-line prospects: Right side of line moves on; solid, not spectacular depth and talent elsewhere
D Returning Starters: 8
Look Back
It was Javon Ringer right, left and up the middle. And the plan worked to the tune of a 9-4 campaign that was part hard work and part smoke and mirrors. Brian Hoyer was a fantasy afterthought, only tossing nine scores against eight interceptions. Other than Ringer only TE Charlie Gantt was a viable fantasy option as no wide receiver was able to step up and seize the go-to role left vacant with Devin Thomas’ departure the season before.
Will be missed next season
It wasn’t always pretty, and he often found running room difficult to come by against top defenses, but Javon Ringer’s senior campaign (370-1590-21) left the Ohio native as one of the nation’s top BCS fantasy backs. Scoring at least one touchdown in all but two contests, Ringer was both a steady and explosive performer. Workhorses like #23 don’t come along often, and no program may have a bigger hole to fill than the Michigan State Spartans as they look for a number one running back in 2009.
Likely Offensive Star in 2009
It’s too hard to pinpoint a starting running back at this point. We’ll need spring practice and beyond to sort that out. And there are too many good, not great, wide receivers. But there are two very interesting prospects at quarterback, and whoever emerges from what is likely to be a fierce spring/summer battle will dwarf Brian Hoyer’s 2008 numbers.
Keith Nichol initially went to Norman, Oklahoma, and he battled Sam Bradford down to the wire of summer camp of 2007. Bob Stoops couldn’t make his starting decision until the very last minute, and one can't argue with the results. Following Bradford’s huge campaign the product of Lowell, Michigan transferred closer to home, and now he has designs on taking over the MSU offense. And Nichol provides a nice run-pass combination. But redshirt sophomore Kirk Cousins will have something to say.
Cousins’ only significant game action in 2008 came in mop-up duty after his Spartans made a mess against Ohio State and Penn State. And while it’s hard to gauge performance, it’s clear that Cousins has a nice arm and throws a pretty pass.
No matter how you dice it we see a dramatically different fantasy prospectus for the Spartans in 2009. It will likely be running back by committee, and we’ll be looking to one of the Spartans’ talented QBs for fantasy points.
Potential Breakout Star in 2009
Wide receiver Keshawn Martin has that “it” that’s often hard to define but easy to identify. His speed coupled with improving hands led to an increased role as the season progressed. He’s likely a season away from a significant fantasy impact, but a talent like Martin could move a bit faster than expected.
If running back Glenn Winston remains on the team, he should emerge as the Spartans’ starting running back in 2009. But he will have competition from the freshmen below, and legal woes from an off-campus fight still loom.
Freshman Flyer
Two running back names to remember: Edwin “Rock” Baker and Larry Caper. Baker, should he recover from a senior season cut short by injury, seems the more likely to make an immediate impact; but Caper is no slouch. Look for both to be highlighted in our recruiting primers in February. Javon Ringer will be almost impossible to replace, but Mark Dantonio is bringing talent not seen in East Lansing since Nick Saban was prowling the sidelines.
Iowa Hawkeyes 9-4
Fantasy starters lost: RB Shonn Greene, WR Andy Brodell, TE Brandon Myers, TE Tony Moeaki
Returning: QB Ricky Stanzi, WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos
Looking to Emerge: RB Jewel Hampton, TE Christian Ballard, TE Allen Reisner, WR Keenan Davis (Fr), RB Brandon Wegher (Fr)
O-line prospects: Three starters return, and there’s plenty of big boys ready to step in.
D Returning Starters: 8
Look Back
All that August sky is falling, Iowa has no running back talk sure seems silly right now. The story of the Iowa Hawkeyes 2008 was the in your face running style of Shonn Greene, the bruising back who returned from an academically-induced season off to run for 1729 and 17 scores. Greene ran for 100 yards in every single game, and he can be credited with talking a little pressure off of quarterback Ricky Stanzi, and a whole lot of pressure off of Kirk Ferentz.
Will be missed next season
Greene will leave a gaping hole. Backs like Shonn Greene make life easier for everyone, and his clock-eating ways will be hard to replace.
Likely Offensive Star in 2009
Jewel Hampton was very impressive when given the opportunity (79-409-7) and his return will soften the blow of Greene’s departure. In fact many preseason prognosticators will likely overstate the fact that Greene is no longer in Iowa City, and they’ll do a disservice to the talented Hampton. As long as Kirk Ferentz is calling the shots the Hawks will run with great regularity and Hampton will produce.
Potential Breakout Star in 2009
Allen Reisner is a tight end that’s seen little action to date. This should change. The junior-to-be will look to step in following the departure of Brandon Myers. Tony Moeaki should return to Iowa City, but he’ll bring injury concerns. Reisner seems to have the makings of a very productive tight end.
Freshman Flyer
The Hawkeyes will welcome Keenan Davis from Cedar Rapids and he’s likely to make an immediate impact. All signs point to this 6’3” wide receiver being physically ready to withstand the pounding delivered by Big Ten defenses.
Northwestern Wildcats 9-4
Fantasy starters lost: QB C.J. Bacher, RB Tyrell Sutton, WR Ross Lane, WR Eric Peterman, K Amado Villarreal
Returning: TE Josh Rooks
Looking to Emerge QB Mike Kafka, RB Stephen Simmons, RB Jacob Schmidt
O-line prospects: Lose senior left guard Keegan Kennedy; otherwise this unit is very young with a bright future.
D Returning Starters: 8
Look Back
9-4 seasons are a cause of celebration in most college towns, but especially in Evanston. The Wildcats did it thanks to a solid defense and very weak non-conference slate. Still this team won in Iowa City and this canceled out a bad loss in Bloomington. The Wildcats’ offense, which was expected to be a definite strength, turned out to be a middle-of-the-road unit. Only the win against Purdue witnessed any semblance of an offensive explosion.
Will be missed next season:
No fantasy titles were won on the arm of C.J. Bacher or the legs of Tyrell Sutton, but each will be missed in 2009. Bacher’s 17 touchdowns were nowhere near what was expected, but this NU offense is not the same that was employed by the late Randy Walker. Coach Pat Fitzgerald has no qualms with winning games in an ugly fashion, and this will likely make the Wildcats a team to be wary of on draft day.
Tyrell Sutton concluded his seemingly never-ending collegiate career with a senior year of over 1000 yards from scrimmage and eight scores, but injuries were once again a factor. Still #19 will be remembered as one of the school’s all-time greats, and he’ll leave mighty big shoes to fill.
Likely Offensive Star in 2009
Mike Kafka’s 27 carry, 217 yard rushing performance did more than lead his squad to a hard-fought win in the Metrodome, it caused fantasy owners nationwide to place this senior-to-be on their 2009 radar. Kafka is more Zak Kustok than C.J. Bacher, and this makes him intriguing to say the least. He’s a definite prospect in Big Ten leagues.
Potential Breakout Star in 2009
Running back Stephen Simmons will enter camp as the likely running back starter, and the junior will bring a skill set comparable to the great Tyrell Sutton. Sharing time with Sutton and Omar Conteh, the redshirt sophomore from St. Louis only saw 178 yards on 62 carries, but the talent, as well as a maturing offensive line, is definitely in place. Draft late and see what transpires.
Freshman Flyer
Those looking a couple years down the road may want to file the name Evan Watkins away. The drop back quarterback received interest from the likes of Purdue and Tennessee before deciding to head to Evanston. He’s a definite sleeper, but not one to invest in with the expectation of immediate dividends.
Wisconsin Badgers 7-6
Fantasy starters lost RB P.J. Hill, TE Travis Beckum
Returning: QB Dustin Sherer, RB John Clay, TE Garrett Graham, WR David Gilreath, K Philip Welch
Looking to Emerge: WR Nick Toon, WR Isaac Anderson
O-line prospects: Three of five starters move along, leaving room for three new mammoth beasts to step in and create holes. Two tackles next season will average about 6’7” and 305 lbs.
D Returning Starters: 5
Look Back
It’s hard to look back at the Wisconsin football season without asking what might have been. The meltdown loss in Ann Arbor didn't help things, nor did some very curious game management decisions by bachelor/snappy dresser Brett Beliema. Combine these with early season quarterback struggles and Travis Beckum’s injury woes, and it’s a wonder the Badgers even made it to the pummeling at the Champs Bowl. The Wisconsin running game will always be a fantasy factor, though more consistent quarterback play will be needed to keep the pressure of the likes of John Clay in the future.
Will be missed next season
Travis Beckum will be missed in 2009 much like he was missed in 2008. Fellow tight end Garrett Graham is a great tight end while Beckum is a game-breaking tight end, creating mismatches at any spot on the field. Beckum’s injury not only slowed the developed of quarterbacks Allan Evridge and Dustin Sherer, but it made life more difficult for a green receiving group. Even with the October 25 injury that ended his Badger career Beckum concludes his time in Madison third on the program’s all-time receptions list, trailing only fantasy greats Brandon Williams and Lee Evans.
P.J. Hill's decision to enter the NFL draft wasn't a big surprise as the Badger back has taken his share of hits on Saturday. A running back's shelf life is only so long, and Hill likely wanted to make a few bucks for taking the pounding. He was a tough back who put up some great fantasy numbers during his career, but the Badgers have a special back waiting to take over full-time.
Likely Offensive Star in 2009
While he didn’t spend this season working a furniture store, John Clay looks like the 2009 version of Shonn Greene. The sophomore-to-be combines a bruising style with the ability to run away from smaller people. Hill's presence seemed the only obstacle to a big season in 2009. This obstacle is gone.
Look for Clay to emerge as the lead back, and he'll see the great majority of carries (especially if he improves his pass protection). In fact look for Clay to emerge as the number one Big Ten running back. 144-845-9 is just the tip of the iceberg, and he and Terrelle Pryor will be the Big Ten's signature offensive stars in 2009.
Potential Breakout Star in 2009
The Badgers made a concerted effort to get wide receiver David Gilreath the ball in 2008, and David Gilreath made the coaching staff look smart for doing so. With the running backs in the fold and Garrett Graham running over linebackers there will be a chance for big plays in the passing game in 2009. Dustin Sherer’s expected growth will lead to Gilreath’s emergence as a legitimate deep threat.
Freshman Flyer
Those in a knockdown, drag-out keeper Big Ten league can never go wrong drafting a highly rated Badger back. Like planning for your child’s college, drafting a future Wisconsin running back can afford the opportunity to reflect back and smile at your foresight and vision. Next year it would appear a smart move to “make a deal” and draft Montee Ball (do you get it? Monte Ball rhymes with Monty Hall, former host of Let’s Make a Deal).
Ball has the look of most recent Badger backs; he’s not too tall, and he likely wore Husky Jeans as a child. And he’ll likely run for a whole bunch of yards and goal line touchdowns.
Minnesota Golden Gophers 7-6
Fantasy starters lost: TE Jack Simmons, K Joel Monroe
Returning: QB Adam Weber, RB Duane Bennett, RB DeLeon Eskridge, WR Eric Decker (will explore MLB options), WR Brandon Green
Looking to Emerge: QB MarQueis Gray, RB Hasan Lipscomb (Fr)
O-line prospects: No significant losses. This unit will be stronger in 2009. Look for the Gophers to improve upon their low (91 nationally) offensive ranking.
D Returning Starters: 8
Look Back
If the Gophers season were a game of strip poker, then they had three coats on after eight weeks while sitting at 7-1, with their only blemish a pretty respectable loss in Columbus. Now that the Jayhawks are done with them, the Gophers end the season with only one sock on. While the team was exposed as a fraud down the stretch, one cannot underestimate the growth shown by Brewster’s boys. Still the prime catalyst for such improvement was that the defense actually tackled in 2008. The offense still has a ways to go until it’s a fantasy hotspot.
DeLeon Eskridge did a nice job, but he wasn’t able to fully fill the void left by Duane Bennett’s season-ending injury in week two.
Will be missed next season
Jack Simmons is a serviceable tight end, but after the recent successes of Gopher tight ends Matt Spaeth and Ben Utecht, it’s safe to say that Simmons’ departure will not be a big blow for owners.
However if Eric Decker does head out to center field full time then owners will be left with a large void.
Likely Offensive Star in 2009
Eric Decker returns and he’s the offensive star, no question. Should Decker decide to give professional baseball his full attention, then Brandon Green looks ready to emerge as the man in the Gophers’ passing attack. Coming off a freshman season with 18 catches for 260 yards and a score, it will be Green leading the receivers into their brand spanking new stadium. And there's a chance the Chicago native may end up as one of Minnesota’s all-time great wide receivers.
Potential Breakout Star in 2009
Adam Weber is still the starting quarterback, and a good one at that. But top recruits (see OSU's incoming Jaamal Berry) like MarQueis Gray don’t cast their lot with the Minnesotas of the world based on the assumption that they’ll patiently wait their turn before seeing the field. Gray lost almost his entire freshman campaign due to ACT difficulties that may not have been his own doing, and it appeared for a while that he may just say the heck with the Gophers. Now with an unquestioned qualifying score the top prep talent will push Weber for playing time in 2009, and it wouldn’t surprise us if Gray sees significant snaps.
Also, don’t forget about running back Duane Bennett. Bennett was on track to be a fantasy producer in 2008 before a knee injury derailed his plans. If he can successfully rehab his knee, he will be one to draft.
Freshman Flyer
As the Gophers move to their pretty, outside, on-campus stadium, look for the running game to be emphasized a bit more. And expect to hear the name Hasan Lipscomb. The four-star back from Texas spurned offers from Nebraska to head to the Twin Cities. There is currently running back depth ahead of him, so Lipscomb may be looking at redshirt. But he’ll likely be a factor sooner rather than later.
Illinois Fighting Illini 5-7
Fantasy starters lost: None
Returning: QB Juice Williams, RB Jason Ford, RB Daniel Dufrene, WR Arrelious Benn, TE Jeff Cumberland, K Matt Eller
Looking to Emerge: RB Mikel LeShoure, WR Jarred Fayson, RB Bud Golden (Fr)
O-line prospects: Left side says bye-bye, RG and RT will return
D Returning Starters: 8
Will be missed next season
Illinois will only have to replace wide receiver Will Judson, though Jarred Fayson (Florida transfer) will more than fill that void. Otherwise a talented group of skill position players will return in 2009, though until the Juice cuts down on turnovers he’ll not become a national fantasy superstar. Until Mr. Benn sees an increase in red zone looks he’ll continue to be the most underutilized superstar in the country.
Likely Offensive Star in 2009
He was the Big Ten’s number one fantasy point producer in 2008, so Juice Williams should remain the fantasy star for the Fighting Illini. However 16 interceptions and a whole bunch of fumbles are not good. Though, it may not be Eddie McGee who steals the gig from Juice. It looks like McGee’s late-season move to wide receiver could be permanent, leaving the talented and young Jacob Charest to battle for snaps.
Potential Breakout Star in 2009
It’s not fair to other potential breakout stars to compare them to Arrelious Benn. After all the others haven’t caught 121 balls and gained nearly 2000 yards from scrimmage in their first two seasons. Still there’s the feeling that Benn can do so much more. He has only accounted for seven touchdowns through two years, and this stud has the capability to double that total alone next season. The Dunbar High School alum simply needs consistent quarterback play. If he doesn’t break out in a big way next season Illinois fans will be wondering what might have been while watching him torment defenses on Sundays.
Florida transfer Jarred Fayson will help take some heat off of Benn.
Freshman Flyer
I mention incoming running back recruit Bud Golden for two reasons. One because he’s a highly touted back who may have the chance to make an immediate impact. Two because his name is Bud Golden, and this name reminds me of some old dude sipping a High Life in the corner of the bar.
Purdue 4-8
Fantasy starters lost: QB Curtis Painter, RB Kory Sheets, WR Desmond Tardy, WR Greg Orton
Returning: QB Justin Siller, RB Jaycen Taylor, WR Keith Smith, K Chris Summers
Looking to Emerge: RB Dan Dierking, TE Kyle Adams
O-line prospects: Big Ken Plue returns; should be a very young unit in 2009
D Returning Starters: 8
Will be missed next season
It won’t be the same without Joe Tiller, and there will likely be no bigger loss in the conference that the man who introduced basketball on grass to the Big Ten. Joining Tiller out the door in West Lafayette will be Curtis Painter, Kory Sheets, Desmond Tardy and Greg Orton. Painter was thought to be a fantasy star in 2008 while it was Sheets who emerged as a top producer. Neither Tardy nor Orton ever lived up to the lofty expectations placed by mild mannered accountants on Friday, cutthroat fantasy gurus on Saturday.
Tiller will be replaced by look-alike Danny Hope, who spent 2008 serving as coach-in-waiting. After working with Tiller for years Hope went to Eastern Kentucky, had a successful run, and returned to West Lafayette when Tiller said he could have his job.
There are rumblings that the Boilers may move towards an offense (new coordinator is Gary Nord) more reliant on the running game, and with some recent coaching departures we’ll have to wait and see if comparable offensive numbers will be the result. Hope and Nord have some big shoes to fill.
Likely Offensive Star in 2009
Justin Siller is raw. He made bad decisions, he’s not particularly adept at throwing the football, and he’ll have to withstand a push from senior Joey Elliott. He has serious athleticism but little fantasy potential. The 6’4” Siller has a long ways to go.
Therefore I'm going to recommend a late-round pick on Joey Elliott. He'll likely see snaps in 09.
Potential Breakout Star in 2009
Jaycen Taylor’s injury in 2008 opened the door for Kory Sheets to emerge as the man in the Purdue backfield, and now Taylor will look to rebound and lead an offense that will need to reload (according to Purdue faithful) or rebuild (according to everyone else).
Wide receiver Keith Smith and tight end Kyle Adams appear most likely to step up as fantasy starters in 2009. Smith is the most experienced receiver who’ll return, and Adams will look to bounce back from a season lost to a torn ACL. We’ll deem them both potential breakout stars.
Purdue will be a program to watch during spring practice, and names will likely emerge. Right now there are simply too many question marks.
Freshman Flyer
Florida running back Al-Terek McBurse chose Purdue over Nebraska. Rivals.com puts four stars next to McBurse’s name, and he’ll be joining a program that loses its top running back. McBurse looks like a back who could pay off as early as September of 2009.
Michigan 3-9
Fantasy starters lost: RB Sam McGuffie, K K.C. Lopata
Returning: RB Brandon Minor, WR Greg Mathews, WR Martavious Odoms
Looking to Emerge: RB Michael Shaw, RB Carlos Brown, QB Tate Forcier
O-line prospects: Two starters move on. 2009 has to be better than 2008, question will be how much progress is made.
D Returning Starters: 6
Look Back
Well the maize and blue faithful finally received their comeuppance after decades of unprecedented success, and a look back sees v