Nick Saban has a problem as his top three wide receivers have graduated.  If High School All American Julio Jones commits to Bama...well let's just say Nick's problem is solved. Jones coupled with Bama's current WR commitments equals’ instant offense.  The 6’4” 215 pound WR is reportedly down to Bama and Oklahoma with most experts predicting Bama as the winner in the Julio Jones sweepstakes.  Julio is fast, strong, and apparently the real deal.  If he commits to Bama, look for Julio to break out almost immediately. With the Tide's top three WR’s graduating, Julio should play early and often for Saban's Tide.  A 1,000 yard season for the freshman would not be out of the question.  Of course, Julio first needs to commit.

QB Terrelle Pryor's recruitment has been covered almost as much as Britney Spears revolving door court appearances.  The 6’5” QB from Jeanette, PA is down to Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan.  If Terrelle goes with the Buckeyes as expected, he won't be much of a fantasy stud in ‘08 since Ohio State has a returning starter in QB Todd Boeckman.  All Boeckman did was guide Ohio State to a one loss regular season and a return trip to the BCS National Title Game.  Pryor to Ohio State equals another version of Chris Leak & Tim Tebow with Pryor playing the Tebow role. 

If Pryor chooses Penn State, he would probably split playing time with Senior QB Daryll Clark.  It's safe to say the Wolverines offer Pryor something unlike most big time programs (including OSU & PSU).  That something is a guaranteed starting spot in a spread attack perfectly suited to Pryor's strengths which include escapability, speed and a rocket arm.  If Pryor selects Michigan, consider drafting him in the later rounds as a third string backup quarterback with huge upside. 

With Ryan Mallet transferring to Arkansas to play for Coach Bobby Petrino, Michigan currently has only two QBs on scholarship.  Both are 6’5” drop back QB’s with almost no experience.  Should Pryor commit to the Wolverines, he would be the starter by default.  Also, if he commits to Michigan, consider taking a peak at Michigan running back commitment Sam McGuffie.  The 5-11 McGuffie is a blazer with crazy moves and amazing leaping ability famously featured on YouTube.  Sam is so well known on YouTube there are now videos spoofing his quiet demeanor & amazing hurdling ability.  Pryor plus McGuffie could equal Rich Rod's new version of Pat White & Steve Slaton or dare we say Pat White & Noel Devine.  We think most fantasy owners would be quite happy with this new version.

Notre Dame will be better in 2008...count on it.  Coach Charlie Weiss has one of the top recruiting classes for 2008 and many of those freshmen will play immediately.  The Irish wide receiver class especially stands out.  Look for ND's freshmen wide receivers to receive immediate playing time.  While Notre Dame WR commit Deion Walker has all the right measurements (6’4”, 186 lbs. with 4.43 speed), we believe Michael Floyd will have a much bigger fantasy impact.  Floyd & Walker will provide ND with two deep ball threats.  Floyd is listed as an inch shorter than Walker and is considered a step slower than Walker (Floyd's speed is listed in the 4.5/4.6 range). 

However, Floyd really stood out in the Army All American Game held down in San Antonio. 

Floyd demonstrated great hands, excellent timing when leaping for jump balls in the end zone and his speed did not appear to be a problem based on his route running.  If the Irish can actually find some offensive linemen to block for Jimmy Clausen, look for a Jimmy to Floyd connection to blossom almost instantly.  We can hear Beano Cook now…already promoting Clausen for Heisman.  By the way, keep an eye on ND running back commit Jonas Gray from Detroit, Michigan.  Gray is a 5’10” 213 pound back with 4.4 speed.  Gray will get a chance to play early in 2008, especially with Darius Walker foolishly declaring for the NFL Draft.

More to come after signing day...

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