The consensus knock on the Big 10 is that the conference lacks speed top to bottom, including the conference’s elite teams. The irony here is that the knock on the two fantasy starter-worthy QBs in the conference is that they may have to rely TOO heavily on their… wait for it… SPEED (go figure), in order to make the type of fantasy production impact needed to warrant the elite status many will be hoping for and counting on, if electing not to go QB early in drafts.  Juice Williams and Terrelle Pryor do have the respective arms needed to get the job done, but in the generally not-so-spread, run first, defense rules Big 10; these guys will be available to those who choose to load up on the elite RBs and WRs early… and it could pay off big.

 THE STUDS (Fantasy Starter Worthy)

 1. Juice Williams – Illinois (pictured above, courtesy Icon SMI)

 Let’s see here… It will be his 4^th year as a starter under Zook.  A very talented (and huge… none under 6-2) collection of WR/TE’s to throw to including one of the nation’s best in Benn.  Illinois led the conference in passing last season while Williams led the conference in total offense as well.  The offense returns 8 starters.  A weak defense will provide plenty of shootout game opportunities. There really isn’t much not to like here, outside of needing Williams senior maturity to lead to fewer interceptions and the bond with new O-coordinator, Mike Schultz, to develop quickly.  I won’t argue with anyone who chooses to skip the “elite” QBs while snatching up the backs and WRs ’til the Juice is the top QB left on the board. Our top 100 QB list puts Williams at #7 and while some may call that high, I’m a believer.

 2. Terrelle Pryor – Ohio State

There is no questioning this kid’s talent and potential, which will make him a popular selection this season for the conference’s most high profile and likely best team.  However, the 6-6, 235 lb sophomore will have to overcome some less than ideal circumstances to legitimately hold down your QB spot this season.  The offense only returns 3 other starters besides Pryor.  The WR corps is hugely unproven despite having good mix of size and speed. Tressel will continue to shield Pryor as much as possible both due to his youth and the absence of a dependable senior backup they had last year.  The defense will continue to headline and low scoring games should be the norm against the bulk of the schedule.  The running game loses Beanie and must wait to see who emerges out of the backfield.  I love Pryor’s skill set and potential but I am not ready to rely on him as my fantasy starter this season.  Ranked #19 on our top 100 QBs list, I for one won’t be willing to wait quite that long for my QB in any format but if you can get Pryor as your #2 you are sitting pretty at QB.

  IN CASE OF EMERGENCY (Roster Worthy Fantasy Backups)

 3. Darryl Clark – Penn St.

The 6-2, 230 lb senior looks more like a linebacker than a QB and while he isn’t typically going to WOW you with any of his numbers he will be solid and consistent.  I actually have more confidence in Clark and PSU to consistently put points on the board than Pryor & Co. but Clark isn’t likely to post many eye-popping statistical days.  The offense will have a solid ground game to open things up for Clark but youth and inexperience at WR along with an unproven O-line is the downside.  If you aren’t going after an elite QB early and you are loading up at RB and WR with a later QB that you are not dependent on to carry your team. than Clark makes a fine #2 QB who will be consistent and solid but not spectacular.

 NOTABLES (Free Agent Fodder)

Adam Weber already ranks No. 2 all-time at Minnesota in career pass completions; 513 (photo courtesy Icon SMI)

 4. Adam Weber – Minnesota

 As a sophomore last year Weber emerged as a run/pass threat complimented by a stud WR (Decker) and a dangerous RB (Eskridge). Having both of those guys back should help Weber build on his top-50 finish in total offense nationally.  Head Coach Tim Brewster has emphasized a run-first philosophy in the Spring and offseason despite one of the Big 10s top QB/WR combos but the Gophers will play from behind plenty again this season and Weber should get his chances on the ground and in the air plenty this season. I would certainly not call him an elite backup QB option but you could certainly do worse and he may be among the conferences elite next season along with Pryor.

 5. Mike Kafka – Northwestern

Kafka, who started back as a redshirt freshman, is more of an athlete than a QB but that’s not a bad thing in the Wildcats’ system.  He is going to be asked to carry the load, likely on the ground as well.  The unproven backfield and O-line could lead to plenty of attention on stopping the most dangerous athlete first but Kafka could be up for the challenge, especially if the offense grows quickly around him.  I’m not rostering him just yet but I am certainly keeping an eye out for what the senior may have to offer early.

6. Tate Forcier – Michigan (pictured left courtesy Icon SMI)

Forcier is a true freshman who will likely be the starter for Rich Rodriguez’s spread attack.  The blue-chip recruit has the talent and an offense that returns fully intact around him.  I’m not a buyer yet but I am certainly very intrigued to see what Forcier can do and develop into, and how fast.  Rodriguez will be under pressure to develop his young recruiting jewel quick and return the Wolverines to a bowl game.  That could mean a short leash for Forcier but it could also mean a fast track to big time stardom. Stay tuned.

Related posts:

1. Big 10 WR Preview 2009
2. Big 10 RB Preview
3. Big 10 Preview: Minnesota Golden Gophers
4. Clemson Tigers 2009 Team Preview
5. 2009 Top 100 Fantasy College Football QBs

Tags: Big 10