Monday, July 18, 2011

Big East Fantasy RB Rankings

We continue our look at the most valuable fantasy players in the Big East. This time we check out the tailbacks that could be the difference between fantasy domination and being dominated in a not-so fantastic way.

Zeus Level:

Ray Graham (Pitt): He burst onto the scene last year, and never looked back. Graham will now be the primary back, so his numbers should get much better. He can catch out of the backfield, and also found the endzone fairly consistently. If Graham can hold onto the football, look for him to be a great producer.
Pros: Speed, Maneuverability, Offensive Line
Cons: Size, Fumble-Prone
2010 Stats: 1135 Total Yards, 24 Rec, 10 Total TDs

Solid Early Round Value:

Isaiah Pead (Cincinnati): He is in a perfect offense for putting up super numbers. Pead ended up with 1,000 yards, and also caught 29 passes...excellent for PPR leagues. His numbers should go up even more, as Cincy gets more used to Butch Jones' offense.
Pros: Speed, Moves, Pass Catching
Cons: Durability, Low TD Numbers
2010 Stats: 1219 Total Yards, 29 Rec, 7 Total TDs

Middle Round Value:

Antwon Bailey (Syracuse): The Mighty Mite is ready to take the reins in the dome. He had a productive season as a backup, and should improve in 2011. Bailey is a true duel-threat, putting up some of the best reception numbers as a RB in the Big East. Can he carry the load as the number one? We'll find out soon enough.
Pros: Speed, Big Play Ability, Pass Catching
Cons: Size, Power, Untested as a starter
2010 Stats: 860 Total Yards, 35 Rec, 5 Total TDs

Possible Late Round Steal:

Ryan Clarke (West Virginia): The bruiser is a TD machine in the redzone. Unfortunately, he is also a fumble machine. There will also be a big question about how he is used in Dana Holgorsen's new system.

Victor Anderson (Louisville): Here is the wildcard from the conference. Anderson rushed for 1,000 yards in 2008. Since then, injuries and ineffectiveness has sidelined his career. However, Anderson will be the leading man, and will need to find that Freshman form to prove he is worth starting in fantasy.

Projects:

Demetris Murray (USF): He is the leading returning rusher for USF, posting over 500 yards in 2010. He will be in a battle though, with a pair of talented transfers. Many say its his job to lose.

Darrell Scott (USF): Once upon a time, Darrell Scott was a five star recruit for Colorado. Now, he is in his first year at USF. This is one to watch though. If Scott has an opportunity to show what made him a top recruit, he may never leave the field.

D.J. Shoemate (UConn): UConn's top returning rusher had just 115 yards last year. It may be better to stay away from Husky RBs this year.

Savon Huggins (Rutgers): Some are calling this true freshman the next best thing. A late round pick in a keeper league is where he will land.

Jeremy Wright (Louisville): Should put up nice numbers even as a backup. But, could really take off if Anderson goes down again.

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