Independents Fantasy Preview

With four teams filling out the Independent ranks, fantasy options are relatively thin. Notre Dame and Navy will carry the torch in 2008 while Western Kentucky and Army could see an option or two sneak into the picture. The Hilltoppers are in the process of gaining eligibility at the FBS level and will join the Sun Belt before the start of the 2009 season.

Jimmy Clausen took a few lumps last year, but the Irish expect him to be better in his second season under center. The sophomore should see improvement upon his seven touchdown and 1,254-yard 2007 season. Clausen has a few young targets at receiver that could emerge into fantasy stars in their career, including true freshman Michael Floyd and sophomores Duval Kamara and Golden Tate. In order for Clausen to enhance his fantasy value, his teammates at running back need to pickup the slack. James Aldridge is one owners should watch closely early in the season.

Navy lost coach Paul Johnson to Georgia Tech, but the option attack should continue to give opponents trouble. Quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada is back for his senior season and backs Shun White and Eric Kettani will be a nice one-two punch. Enhada is a solid waiver wire pickup for selected match-ups.

Army returns junior quarterback Carson Williams, but the Black Knights may look at changing up their offense into more of an option based attack. Williams doesn’t exactly fit the mold of an option runner and another quarterback could emerge out of this race. The receivers and running backs are a question mark.

If you are looking for a sleeper from this conference, keep your eye on Hilltopper running back Tyrell Hayden. Hayden rushed for 1,134 yards and ten touchdowns last season and owners should expect another solid year in 2008.

Athlon’s Preseason Rankings (Updated rankings coming soon)

Quarterback Rankings
Running Back Rankings
Wide Receiver Rankings
Tight End Rankings
Kicker Rankings
Defense Rankings
Sortable Player Rankings

Quarterback Battles

Army
Contenders: Carson Williams (JR), Chip Bowden (SO), Paul McIntosh (FR)
The Favorite: Williams – The Black Knights want to add more option to the offense and McIntosh could be the answer. However, look for this junior to begin the year as the number one quarterback.
Fantasy Impact: Minimal

Running Back Situations to Watch

Notre Dame – There is no shortage of talented options, but the Irish need to find someone who can give them consistent production each week. James Aldridge played well at the end of last season and will be joined by Armando Allen, Robert Hughes and true freshman Jonas Gray. Aldridge appears to be the starter and if the offensive line improves, look for this junior back to be a solid waiver wire pickup during the season.

Navy – White and Kettani should see the majority of the work, but don’t rule out another player or two emerging for carries. Senior Greg Shinego and sophomore Greg Jones could significantly impact the fantasy value of White or Kettani, largely depending on how the split of carries works.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Notre Dame – Kamara, Tate and Floyd form an imposing trio of young weapons, but don’t count out senior David Grimes from figuring into the fantasy mix. However, the Irish receivers are better picks in keeper leagues, rather than teams drafting for 2008 only.

Sleepers

QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame – It’s easy to overlook the Irish after last season, but Clausen has the talent to make a significant turnaround in year two. Fantasy owners could be overlooking him going into 2008.

RB Tyrell Hayden, Western Kentucky – Look for Hayden to be the go-to guy for the Hilltopper offense.

Freshmen to watch

QB Paul McIntosh, Army/Dayne Crist, Notre Dame
RB Jonas Gray, Notre Dame
WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
TE Joseph Fauria, Notre Dame

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