2008's top two fantasy quarterbacks from the ACC Atlantic will return in 09, but each will have to fend off talented youngsters aiming for his job. C.J. Spiller and Da'Rel Scott lead the returning backs, but these two may see some carries vultured by younger backs. At the receiver spot there are just as many questions as number one receivers have moved on while others look to rebound from injury woes. We're not saying the ACC Atlantic should be off limits for fantasy owners, we're just advising that you proceed with extreme caution.
2008 All-ACC Fantasy Team *returning for 2009
QB: Russell Wilson*
RB: Jonathan Dwyer*
RB: Darren Evans*
WR: Hakeem Nicks
WR: Eron Riley
TE: Greg Boone*
K: Graham Gano
D: Clemson Tigers
Florida State 9-4
Fantasy starters lost: RB Antone Smith, WR Greg Carr, K Graham Gano, WR Preston Parker
Returning: QB Christian Ponder, WR Bert Reed
Looking to Emerge: RB Jermaine Thomas, WR Taiwan Easterling
O-line outlook: The entire young and talented offensive line returns in 2009.
D Returners: 4
Look Back
There was some definite talent on this team that averaged 32 points per game on its way to a 9-4 season, a year in which maddening losses to Wake and Georgia Tech leave one with a “what might have been” feeling. Still, even with those tough defeats there were some definite signs that Jimbo Fisher has the offense moving in the right direction, even if there’s a different youngster under center in 2009.
When Christian Ponder was named starter over Drew Weatherford we couldn’t help but think that Ponder would become a three-year starter. But 18 total touchdowns against 14 picks definitely leave the door open for a talent like redshirt E.J. Manuel to snatch the job from the incumbent.
It’s safe to say that while FSU had guys step up and make plays in 2008, this remains a program that lacks true playmakers. And this is inexcusable for a school with FSU’s tradition, located in the Sunshine State, the veritable fertile crescent of prep football talent.
Will be missed next season
Well we waited, and waited, and waited, and then, just when everyone had finally given up hope and cut him loose, Antone Smith emerged to have a huge senior season. Though we were optimistic last preseason, we didn’t expect a back that had scored 11 touchdowns in his first three years combined to explode for 16 scores in his Tallahassee swan song.
Sharing time with Lorenzo Booker during his first two seasons led to fewer carries than he would’ve liked, but Smith stayed the course and helped his squad to a nine-win season and bowl game victory. Here’s hoping we’re calling Smith an NFL draft steal in a few years.
Unlike Smith, young Preston Parker did not stay the course, and his arrest while passed out in a McDonald’s drive-thru puts the capper on what could have been a very productive career. Parker was the FSU offense in 2007, and it looked like he would eventually go down in the annals as one of his school’s finest versatile offensive weapons. This will not happen.
Joining Smith and Parker out the door will be Greg Carr and K Graham Gano. After scoring 21 times in his first two seasons Carr could only muster eight touchdowns as an upperclassman. And at last count the number of times owners screamed for the Florida State braintrust to “just throw that damn thing up to Carr” was at 32,198.
And in Gano, the Noles lose their Groza Award winning kicker. And fellas that win that award are often hard to replace.
Additionally, receiver Corey Surrency is also awaiting word on whether or not he’ll be granted an additional year of eligibility.
Likely Offensive Star in 2009
There are no sure-fire fantasy superstars waiting to emerge for the Noles, so we’ll take the likely workhorse back. Jermaine Thomas provided flashes of his potential in the tough loss to Georgia Tech, where he gained 130 yards on nine carries. And with a season total of 482 yards on 69 carries it appears that Thomas is a solid rising fantasy back.
Of course should E.J. Manuel emerge as the starting quarterback then Thomas may see some of his carries and touchdowns vultured by the redshirt sophomore. And even if Ponder does emerge from the quarterback battle keep in mind he ran for 423 yards and four scores in 2008.
Potential Breakout Star in 2009
This is still a Jimbo Fisher offense, so the ball will be in the air. Someone has to catch the passes, and we like Taiwan Easterling to emerge as a prime receiving threat. Easterling caught 30 balls for 322 yards and one score in 2008, and with his expected ascension up the depth chart a significant bump is anticipated.
The former prep baseball standout brings to mind the great Peter Warrick with his relatively small stature and excellent speed. If the Noles’ passing game develops then Easterling and his owners will likely reap the rewards.
Freshman Flyer
I would pick Willie Downs at this spot, but there is a question on whether he will end up at WR or DB. Based on his performance at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl it looks like he has a bright future at DB.
Those locking in Jermaine Thomas at tailback might want to take a peek at the recruiting video of Lonnie Pryor. Pryor is a powerful, between-the-tackles runner that will make his presence felt this fall.
Boston College 9-5
Fantasy starters lost: QB Chris Crane, WR Brandon Robinson, TE Ryan Purvis, K Steve Aponavicius
Returning: RB Montel Harris, RB Josh Haden, WR Rich Gunnell
Looking to Emerge: QB Dominique Davis, TE Ifeanyi Momah
O-line outlook: Left guard Clif Ramsey moves on. Four return.
D Returners: 7
Look Back
It sure seems like a very long time ago when Matt Ryan beat Virginia Tech in the October rain of 2007 and the Eagles assumed the #2 spot in the polls. Since then they’ve gone 12-8 and lost a coach who couldn’t resist the urge to do a little window shopping. And departing along with Jeff Jagodzinski will be offensive coordinator Steve Logan.
The Steve Logan offense could never recover from the loss of Matt Ryan as both Chris Crane and Dominique Davis struggled to lead the passing game. The freshman running back duo of Montel Harris and Josh Haden was impressive, combining for over 1600 yards from scrimmage with seven touchdowns. While this makes BC fans happy, it is bad news for owners as it appears each freshman may ruin the other’s chances to put up big fantasy numbers.
Rich Gunnell caught 49 balls for 551 yards and four receiving scores, and Justin Jarvis was solid in a backup role. Ryan Purvis missed Matt Ryan even more than we thought he would, though Ifeanyi Momah (11-149-3) gave indications that he may emerge as a fantasy factor.
Veteran offensive coordinator Gary Tranquill, who bears a striking resemblance to Yoda, will take over the offense. Tranquill, who has enough gear from his coaching stops to open an apparel store, will likely lean on his talented backs in 2009. And it’s going to be very difficult for the Spaziano-Tranquill tandem to match the recruiting pizzazz brought by Jagodzinski and Logan.
Will be missed next season
The task of replacing Matt Ryan seemed more and more difficult as the top pick led the Atlanta Falcons to a stunning 2008 season. And though he leaves following a season with 17 total scores against 13 interceptions, it’s still clear that Chris Crane did a very nice job for the BC Eagles this past season and he leaves a definite hole.
Crane’s explosion (470 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns for 47 fantasy points) against N.C. State gave an indication of his potential. However he followed this show up with back-to-back three-pick performances against Virginia Tech and North Carolina. These three weeks highlighted Crane’s and his team’s inconsistency. And then the quarterback’s season was cut short by a shoulder injury.
Though his picks were maddening, Boston College fans will likely miss Crane as their young quarterbacks struggle with growing pains of their own.
Likely Offensive Star in 2009
As is the case with the Florida State Seminoles there is no clear Boston College skill player that jumps out as a fantasy workhorse. Sure if Montel Harris or Josh Haden can separate himself then we have one to watch. And Dominique Davis does bring some interesting skills to the proverbial table, but he’ll likely not do any more than emerge as a backup in deep ACC leagues. So we’ll go with the likely number one receiver.
Rich Gunnell will be the senior leader on offense, and he’ll look to return to his form of 2007, when he caught 64 Matt Ryan passes for 931 yards and seven scores. Yes, we’re well aware that Matt Ryan will not be quarterbacking the 2009 Eagles, but whoever is taking snaps will lean on his most talented and experienced wide receiver.
Potential Breakout Star in 2009
Word on the street said freshman Justin Tuggle was very impressive as Boston College’s scout team quarterback, and he’ll certainly get his chance to show what he can do with the first team offense. But he’s a long way from any fantasy impact.
I am intrigued with tight end Ifeanyi Momah, and though he only caught 11 balls for 149 yards in 2003, this versatile athlete appears to have the physical makeup of one of those tight ends that gets down the seam and outruns everybody. He’s a 6’6” former wide receiver, and a young quarterback would be wise to toss it up to him when the situation appears dire.
Consider Momah my double-secret ACC sleeper.
Freshman Flyer
Mike Naples will likely make the switch from wide receiver to tight end in college. And you know how much we, especially Alex, like those tight ends. The adjustment period may keep Naples from making an impact in 2009, but he’ll likely be catching passes for the Eagles at some point.
Maryland 8-5
Fantasy starters lost: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR Danny Oquendo, TE Dan Gronkowski, K Obi Egekeze
Returning: QB Chris Turner, RB Da’Rel Scott, RB Davin Meggett
Looking to Emerge: WR/KR Torrey Smith, TE Lansford Watson
O-line outlook: Only Phil Costa and Bruce Campbell return. There’s a wee bit of turnover here.
D Returners: 6
Look Back
For a brief moment it appeared that Ralph Friedgen might not survive. His program, one he had rebuilt and helped to regain much of the national exposure lost after Bobby Ross and Frank Reich left College Park, had become a nonfactor of late. And while it finished on a high note, the 2008 season left more questions than answers.
Four wins over teams in the top 25, including an impressive early-season win over Cal were the highlights. Losses to Middle Tennessee State and a shutout at the hands of the Virginia Cavaliers were the lowlights. And most frustrating to fantasy owners has been the inconsistency of the offense, the unit that has been Friedgen’s calling card during his long and successful coaching career.
20 points per game aren’t going to get it done, especially with the likes of Da’Rel Scott and Darrius Heyward-Bey in the starting lineup and Davin Meggett and Torrey Smith playing prominent roles. Offensive eruptions should be an expectation even when the Eastern Michigans of the world leave town.
Will be missed next season
Whether it can be attributed to lackluster quarterback play, the offensive system, his own inconsistencies or the rain, you gotta blame Darrius Heyward-Bey’s inability to put up huge numbers on something. He seems to be the type of player who, years from now and in the midst of a big NFL season, will say “Maryland Terrapins” during his Monday Night Football introduction and thousands will collectively mutter, “ooohhh yeah, he went to Maryland…”
57 touches in 2008 resulting in 811 yards and six scores were just enough to drive owners crazy (and I’m not talking Dave Chappelle go to Africa crazy, I’m talking Edgar Allan Poe marry your teen cousin-type wacko). He’d go for 11-101-1 against Wake only to follow that up with 2-28 against the Wolfpack. Of course then he’d catch five balls for 92 yards and a score the following week against Va. Tech.
Maryland will miss Heyward-Bey’s production and threat for production while owners will likely look to another wide receiver to drive them crazy. SERENITY NOW!
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Likely Offensive Star in 2009
My wife and I were sitting in an Outback Steakhouse bar area waiting for our table and the Humanitarian Bowl was on. I had been watching the first half at home and heard of Da'Rel Scott's suspension caused by a little late-night frivolity in Boise, and figured that was it for him.
Imagine my surprise while watching Scott run through holes the size of a Hummer and run over poor Wolfpack defenders in the second half, rushing 14 times for 174 yards and two scores. The Nevada defense had no idea what had hit them, and this game, in a nutshell, was what Scott’s 2008 season was all about.
He’d ruin fantasy weeks with 10 rush for 11 yard performances, and then he’d bulldoze North Carolina State for 169 yards and a score. Certainly a great deal of this inconsistency can be attributed to his shoulder woes, and if Scott can make it through the 2009 season with few dings, then we may have a top fantasy back hanging out in College Park, MD.
Potential Breakout Star in 2009
I really, really like Torrey Smith as a kick returner, and he’s eventually going to be a big-time wide receiver. Smith, a rising redshirt sophomore, set an ACC record for kick return yardage in 2008 with 1,089 yards. And this is just the beginning.
Torrey Smith should succeed Heyward-Bey as the number one receiver...but he may be, like…even better and stuff. He started the final six games at one of the receiver spots and ended with 24-336-2 in addition to his many return yards. Look for Friedgen to get the ball in Smith’s hands in the ground game, thus providing the potential for some huge weeks.
Another Terp to keep in mind, especially for those that invest an earlier selection in Da'Rel Scott, is Davin Meggett. One of our long shot specials as a true freshman last season, Meggett gave no reason to think that he won’t be a key playmaker in the offense. He carried the ball 89 times for 457 yards and four scores in 08.
Should Scott struggle to stay healthy then Meggett could become the east coast version of Jacquizz Rodgers.
Freshman Flyer
In the unlikely event that Scott and Meggett can’t get it done, you’ll see D.J. Adams in the backfield. Adams is a stocky, powerful runner that will make some noise in fall camp.
Wake Forest 8-5
Fantasy starters lost: WR Demir Boldin, K Sam Swank
Returning: QB Riley Skinner, RB Brandon Pendergrass, RB Josh Adams, TE Ben Wooster
Looking to Emerge:K Shane Popham
O-line outlook: They’re all staying in Winston-Salem
D Returners: 3
Look Back
Wake Forest is a typical ACC Atlantic team. They score about 20 points per contest, give up about 20, and win some ugly football games. 2008 was no different. There were no horrible losses, and in retrospect the win over Ole Miss can be deemed one to hang a hat on. A steady ground game, a quarterback that minimized mistakes and a defense that did enough to keep games close once again led the team to a nice season. But none of the aforementioned traits should really excite the fantasy owner.
Riley Skinner is Riley Skinner. And the wide receivers will not set the world on fire. But two young backs, Josh Adams (122-402-4) and Brandon Pendergrass (150-528-5) team with a decent tight end in Ben Wooster (24-211-3) to give owners enough reason to give Wake a looksie on draft day.
Will be missed next season
It’s hard to catch 81 passes and see only three go for touchdowns, but Demir Boldin did just that. Each game produced a stat line of about 8-71-0, just enough to make you think he might find the endzone next week. And then he wouldn’t. Still Boldin emerged in his senior season, and in doing so he proved he was more than just Anquan’s brother.
Likely Offensive Star in 2009
Provided we don’t see a reoccurrence of his ankle woes Josh Adams should be good for about 15-20 carries per ballgame. And this number of carries would likely be higher had Brandon Pendergrass not done such a nice job while filling in for Mr. Adams.
Expect a two-headed running back monster for the 2009 Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Of course one may emerge during fall camp, or one may struggle with the injury bug. If both stay healthy we like Adams better than his backfield mate, but neither inspires a great deal of fantasy optimism.
However the tight end has us stroking our goatees.
Potential Breakout Star in 2009
Ben Wooster could go from solid fantasy prospect to top NFL draft prospect with a big 2009, and we see a very good chance that this happens. Wooster, who goes about 6’4” and 240 lbs., should emerge as a prime pass-catching target as Wake Forest looks to replace over 100 receptions that have graduated.
The tough, intelligent and hard working Ben Wooster is the perfect representation of Wake Forest football. And a breakout season to the tune of 50-650-7 may be on the horizon.
Freshman Flyer
With the depth at running back, it’s hard to imagine a freshman seeing meaningful playing time this fall. With steady Riley Skinner behind center, a quarterback is also out. One area where Wake could use some help is it at WR. Wake likes to get their WRs involved in the run game, and Quan Rucker fits the mold. We can see Rucker getting involved in the short passing game and some end-arounds for the Demon Deacons.
Clemson 7-6
Fantasy starters lost: QB Cullen Harper, RB James Davis WR Aaron Kelly, K Mark Buchholz
Returning: RB C.J. Spiller, WR Jacoby Ford, TE Michael Palmer
Looking to Emerge: QB Willy Korn, RB Jamie Harper
O-line outlook: Injuries forced some serious reshuffling and led to many youthful mistakes. Only Center Bobby Hutchinson departs.
D Returners: 6
Look Back
When a coach is fired and one of his quarterbacks states that the firing is what he deserved then it’s easy to deem the season a failure. Though I don’t know what speaks louder: the fact that Clemson had such a lousy year that led to their coach’s termination or that said lousy season was still enough to warrant a New Year’s Day bowl game. Either way Clemson is likely ready to move on, and the administration did the ever-popular thing…they hired the cool interim coach, the guy who truly gets the players, the man who’ll turn things around…on a full-time basis.
There was concern around these parts that Cullen Harper would have a difficult time matching his 30 touchdowns from 2007…and these concerns were justified as Harper posted half of that total in 2008. Joining Harper during our airing of the grievances was Aaron Kelly, who went from 11 scores in 2007 to four scores in 2008. And for all of his potential it appears that Jacoby Ford will just continue to tease fantasy owners.
Yet the running back duo of James Davis and C.J. Spiller each got theirs in 2008. Spiller gained over 1,000 yards from scrimmage while scoring 12 times and Davis found paydirt 11 times while amassing 874 yards from scrimmage.
Though there is a great deal of talent leaving Clemson, the thought of The C.J. Spiller Show (with special guest appearances by Jamie Harper) should be an interesting prospect for fantasy owners.
Will be missed next season
It’s hard to say James Davis without automatically spitting out C.J. Spiller. It’s still likely that Spiller will be able to overcome any separation anxiety. Davis concluded his Clemson career with 11 scores in 2008, and a total of 21 while an upperclassman.
While James Davis was feast or famine, with eight of his 11 scores coming in three games, the “Thunder” to C.J. Spiller’s “Lightning” will be missed in 2009. Though many are intrigued about what another bruising back can do at Memorial Stadium.
Additionally Clemson says goodbye to quarterback Cullen Harper, WR Aaron Kelly and K Mark Buchholz, all contributors. But Clemson has some youthful talent ready to step in and turn the page on the Tommy Bowden era.
Likely Offensive Star in 2009
C.J. Spiller will be the focal point of the offense. He gives Dabo Swinney a legitimate game breaking back to build 2009 around. And it’s not out of the realm of possibilities that Spiller concludes his career with 1500 yards from scrimmage and 15 scores. He’s a dynamic back that faces a tough but not overwhelming daunting slate of games.
We are concerned that Jamie Harper could emerge as James Davis part deux and become the goal line vulture. But there will be enough Spiller carries that result in end zone celebrations to make him a top 25 back in 2009, and one with a higher fantasy ceiling than he’s had in his career.
Potential Breakout Star in 2009
Jacoby Ford has been our Clemson breakout star for what seems like five years, and though he’ll likely pull an Antone Smith and explode in his senior season, we’re going to go in a different direction, and give you a keeper league special.
Andre Ellington is going to be an excellent back. If Spiller had declared then we’d likely be looking at an Ellington-Harper backfield rotation that wouldn’t have shown much drop-off from their predecessors. All reports from Clemson had Ellington dominating the scout team in practice, and he’ll eventually provide a consistent take-it-to-the-house threat for the Tigers. Expect his stats to be around 40-220-4 in 2009 which much better numbers on the horizon. Owners in keeper leagues cannot forget about this kid.
The winner of the Willy Korn/Kyle Parker quarterback battle will also be a prime fantasy keeper prospect. Don’t bet the house that the job is Korn’s to lose. Parker can play.
Freshman Flyer
Quarterback Tajh Boyd is the crown jewel of the Clemson class. However it might be tough for him to beat out Willie Korn, especialy since he is coming off knee surgery in January.
Wide receiver Bryce McNeal has an excellent shot at seeing the field early. And so we’ll name him our flyer and move right along.
North Carolina State 6-7
Fantasy starters lost: RB Andre Brown, TE Anthony Hill
Returning: QB Russell Wilson, WR Owen Spencer, WR Jarvis Williams
Looking to Emerge: RB Jamelle Eugene, RB Toney Baker, TE George Bryan
O-line outlook: Lose guards Meares Green and John Bedics. Other three starters will return.
D Returners: 7
Look Back
The 2008 North Carolina State Wolfpack was one of college football’s better stories. Led by a quarterback who came from nowhere the Pack made a 4-0 dash to the finish, culminating in a bowl game where they were beaten by another hot squad, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The offense scored more than 30 points on five occasions, and both Anthony Hill and Andre Brown emerged from the training room to finish their careers on a high note. Tom O’Brien may never be confused with an offensive mastermind, but the Wolfpack will pack some definite offensive firepower in 2009.
Will be missed next season
Anthony Hill’s stats, both in 2008 and for his career, aren’t too much to write home about. But considering the amount of time lost to injury (he missed four more games in 08) and the fact that he still caught four touchdowns, he was still a threat, and a nice security blanket for a young quarterback.
Likewise it was nice for Russell Wilson and the rest of the offense to lean on Andre Brown, and his 1076 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns took a considerable amount of pressure off the passing game, allowing a relatively young offense to experience greater success.
Not many fantasy titles were won thanks to Anthony Hill or Andre Brown, and the Wolfpack may have talented candidates ready to move into their roles, but the offense will miss their experience on and off the field.
Likely Offensive Star in 2009
Russell Wilson is a stud. After nearly batting .300 for the NC State baseball team he went out and led the football team on a great run at the end and a solid showing in a bowl loss to Rutgers. And while I can’t speak to his baseball talent, I’m quite sure he’s going to emerge as one of the conference’s top quarterbacks in the years to come.
Wilson posseses an ability to make plays, which isn’t rare. What is unique is his ability to do so with such little risk. Wilson accounted for 21 touchdowns in 2008…and he threw one interception. In fact his consistency was downright scary. He threw two touchdown passes and zero picks in each of his final six regular season contests. He scored over 20 fantasy points in eight consecutive contests. And this is a young man with a great deal of growth ahead, and the willingness to work in order to get better.
Two factors could keep Wilson from 30 touchdowns. One is his supporting cast. The return of Donald Bowens and emergence of TE George Bryan could really help, but he's not surrounded by stud skill talent. The second is the presence of Mike Glennon.
The talented Glennon is ready to have his shot. And I could see this quarterback battle becoming NC State’s version of the Texas dual waged between Major Applewhite and Chris Simms a few years back. One was the playmaker and the other was the prototype. And while a quarterback competition is great, a quarterback controversy is not.
Certain players have that “it” factor of which we often speak. It’s an ability to avoid trouble, make plays and will teams to victory. Major Harris had it. So did Jake Plummer. And we think Russell Wilson has “it” too. But he’ll have to keep improving.
Potential Breakout Star in 2009
Jamelle Eugene, Curtis Underwood and maybe even Toney Baker should duke it out for the starting running back job. WR Donald Bowens will try to overcome his bad luck with injuries. But we’re most intrigued by WR Owen Spencer and TE George Bryan.
Spencer is a speed receiver who has shown big play potential. He and Wilson seem to have developed an immediate rapport, and ten receiving touchdowns are not out of the question.
George Bryan will need to fend off the imposing Mario Carter, but should he emerge as the starter he could become a top ACC tight end. Bryan matched Anthony Hill, catching four touchdowns during the 2008 season. And he may see his touchdown output double in 2009.
Freshman Flyer
If Eugene and Baker can’t get back on track, James Washington may get a look at running back. The Florida native will need to put on some pounds, but he’ll eventually have value, especially in keeper leagues.
ACC Atlantic Final Toughts
I feel like I've used the word intrigue about 50 times in this piece, but it's with good reason. The ACC Atlantic (especially with the likes of Florida State and Clemson drawing in top talent) should/could be a fantasy goldmine. But there are an awful lot of quarterback battles and split carries situations on the horizon. There's certainly a ton of talent in this division; whether or not this translates into big fantasy numbers remains to be seen.