2010 College Fantasy Football: Pac-10 Conference Spring Recap

With spring ball all wrapped up, we examine the college fantasy football prospects in the Pac-10.

PAC-10 SPRING RECAP

ARIZONA

Best Bet:  WR Juron Criner

Criner was hot and cold during the 2009 season, but the offense was in a state of retooling. Now Criner looks to be the main target in a more experienced passing attack for 2010.

Sleeper Potential:  QB Nick Foles

Foles showed flashes of just how good he can be as the starting quarterback during the 2009 season. Foles has the best chance for consistent fantasy point production on a week-to-week basis.

Big Fantasy Question:  Is Arizona still a worthy draft day destination for fantasy running backs?

2009 showed that there are too many good backs for the Wildcats to rely on just one.

Nic Grigsby is the leading candidate to be the starter in 2010, but Keola Antolin commands a large share of carries as the top backup, Taimi Tutogi may serve as a goal line touchdown vulture, and freshman Daniel Jenkins impressed the coaches in the spring. 

ARIZONA STATE

Best Bet:  PK Thomas Weber

You know it’s sad when a kicker is the best fantasy bet on your team. The problem is that Weber is the only established player returning for the Sun Devils.

Sleeper Potential:  WR Gerell Robinson & WR George Bell

Both receivers showed flashes during the spring, and have all the physical tools to be good sleeper targets.

There needs to be more news on these guys from fall camp showing their emergence to top pass targets before drafting them would become a viable option.

Big Fantasy Question: Who will start at quarterback, and are they fantasy worthy?

Coaches made the decision to install a new spread offense that resembles the old Texas Tech spread. The problem is that Arizona State needs a consistent trigger man.

Michigan transfer Steven Threet struggled in the spring game, Brock Osweiler had enough moments during spring camp to stay in the hunt, and Samson Szakacsy missed the spring while recovering from shoulder surgery.

It should be a wide open race once fall camp opens.

CALIFORNIA

Best Bet:  RB Shane Vereen

Vereen was a productive backup to Jahvid Best, and at the end of the season showcased what he could do after Best was lost to injury. Vereen should be one of the top producing running backs out of the Pac-10 in 2010.

Sleeper Potential:  TE Spencer Ladner

With the lack of fantasy talent at tight end, Ladner could make an impact as a sleeper and potential platoon player at tight end.

Big Fantasy Question: Will quarterback Kevin Riley ever have his breakout season?

The odds are long on that one ever happening. Riley has shown that the most consistent thing about his play on the field is inconsistency in his offensive production and decision making.

OREGON

Best Bet:  RB LaMichael James

James has gone through legal and academic issues this offense, and must serve a one game suspension in the season opener. But James has the type of talent the break the big play at any time, and he may be the most explosive back in the conference in 2010.

Sleeper Potential:  WR Jeff Maehl

Maehl was the leading receiver during the 2009 season. If the quarterback situation can be solved and the new starter is able to get the ball down the field, Maehl becomes a late round sleeper for BCS leagues.

Big Fantasy Question: Who will take over at quarterback for the suspended Jeremiah Masoli?

Coach Chip Kelly wants a quarterback that can manage the game. This leads many to think that Nate Costa will have a leg up, but Darron Thomas looked far more impressive during the spring game.

OREGON STATE

Best Bet:  RB Jacquizz Rodgers & WR James Rodgers

Jacquizz is arguably the best fantasy running back for 2010, and one of the few backs that receives a workhorse load of carries. James is a dual threat receiver that can burn you in the air or on the ground.

Sleeper Potential:  QB Ryan Katz

Katz is the leading candidate to win the starting quarterback job. With a strong running game to lean on and an experience offensive line to provide time to throw the ball, Katz could do some damage this fall.

Big Fantasy Question: Will a quality No. 2 WR emerge?

The receiver position has been dominated by James Rodgers. If another player can emerge as a main target then the offense could make it much harder for defenses to match up to them.

Darrell Catchings hopes to finally breakout in 2010, Markus Wheaton is pushing for one of the starting jobs.

STANFORD

Best Bet:  QB Andrew Luck

2010 should be a statistical breakout season for Luck. With the loss of star running back Toby Gerhart, don’t be surprised to see the Cardinal air it out more.

Sleeper Potential:  WR Ryan Whalen

If the offense does emphasize the passing game more in 2010, Whalen will most likely become the top pass target. Whalen led all Stanford WRs in 2009 with 57 receptions.

Big Fantasy Question: Who will fill the shoes of Toby Gerhart?

There are two rushers that look like the top guys to take over. Stapfan Taylor was the top backup in 2009 but was unable to separate himself over the spring. Jeremy Stewart started to make a name for himself over the course of spring camp.

As long as one guy can command the bulk of the carries, they should be a good sleeper candidate.

UCLA

Best Bet:  PK Kai Forbath

As stated above, it’s not a good thing when your kicker is the best fantasy bet. The UCLA offense has been sluggish and inconsistent since Rick Neuheisel took over the program. The lack of touchdowns helps add to the field goal opportunities for Forbath.

Sleeper Potential:  TE Morrell Presley

The best fantasy position during the Neuheisel era has been the tight end spot. Presley was moved over to offense in the spring and made an immediate impact on that side of the ball. It would be best to wait for more news to come out of fall camp.

Big Fantasy Question: Can one running back emerge as a workhorse?

Does anyone else out there remember the days of UCLA rushers piling up yards?

Lately it has been running back by committee, and this spring didn’t help in a single back breaking away from the rest of the pack. Top candidates to be the starter are Derrick Coleman, Malcolm Jones, and Jordan James.

USC

Best Bet:  QB Matt Barkley & WR Ronald Johnson

Barkley had moments in 2009 where he showed just how good he can be. Don’t be surprised to see the new coaching staff lean heavily on the arm of Barkley as the center piece of the offense. That only means more balls that will go Johnson’s ways.

Sleeper Potential:  WR Bryce Butler

The coaches are desperate for a receiver to emerge as the No. 2 guy. Butler has had his moments this spring as a true freshman. Don’t be surprised if he becomes a solid No. 2 WR during the second half of the 2010 season.

Big Fantasy Question: How good will the Trojan defense be and when will it be okay to draft them?

Monte Kiffin comes to town and inherits an experienced group of defenders. But while at Tennessee the defense dropped in overall production. It might take until year two for the Kiffin defense to find its stride and become a real powerhouse in the Pac-10.

WASHINGTON

Best Bet:  QB Jake Locker

Locker lead the Pac-10 in total offense in 2009. Now he returns with all his weapons back in 2010 as he looks to improve his passing even more with another year under Steve Sarkisian’s tutelage.

Sleeper Potential:  WR Jermaine Kearse

The Huskies have lacked a main pass target, but Kearse has become one of Locker’s favorite big play targets. As Locker’s passing improves, so does Kearse’s production.

Big Fantasy Question: Can Chris Polk reach the 10 touchdown mark?

Chris Polk was the first Washington rusher to reach the 1,000 yard mark since Cory Dillon in the mid 1990’s. But if Polk is going to have the type of season many experts think, he will have to find a way to run for more than the 5 TDs he had in 2009.

WASHINGTON STATE

Best Bet:  WR Jared Karestetter

It’s slim pickings in Pullman for fantasy players. If the quarterback play can improve then Karstetter should see a nice bump in his stats.

Sleeper Potential:  RB Logwone Mitz

With Dwight Tardy moving on, Mitz as a real shot of winning the starting job. If he can find a way to reach the end zone on a consistent basis he might become worthy of looking at him after the season starts as a sleeper.

Big Fantasy Question: Do I draft anyone from Washington State?

The answer is no. This program has hit rock bottom and its going to take time for recruiting to bring in the type of talent that worthy of a fantasy draft selection.

Joe Arpasi is the co-owner of CollegeFootballGeek.com , your premier resource for college fantasy football information. Check us out.