Drew and I knocked back a couple pints of Vitamin G last night and we spent about 20 minutes discussing the difference between “NFL talent” and “fantasy production”. If only it were a 1:1 relationship that would make life a little easier.

Noel Devine teased fantasy owners in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl. 2009 he delivers? (Icon SMI)

Remember, if you followed this line of thinking that the best measurables made the best fantasy players all the time, over the last few year’s you would have missed out on ULL’s Terrel Fenroy, Buffalo’s James Starks and NIU’s Garrett Wolfe while saddling your roster down to Clemson’s James Davis, Miami’s Javarris James, and anyone of five USC runners.

Big East is similar for 2009 – Mike Ford “passes the swimsuit test” but can you trust him to lead the conference in yards and TDs? Louisville’s Victor Anderson lists at 5-9 185 but does the NFL embrace Dave Meggett-like backs anymore? Like Noel Devine (right?)

After the jump my rankings of the Big East RBs.

1. Noel Devine, West Virginia – Devine is a victim of high expectations since his numbers have been average but the overall vibe for him is one of failure. He did finish with just under 113 yards from scrimmage a game in his first full season as starter but the 4 TDs were tripled by big names like EMU’s Terrence Blevins and even Boise’s Ian Johnson. With a new QB and the backfield all to himself, there must be more TDs.

2. Victor Anderson, Louisville – Anderson is moving up my draft board. Kragthorpe is on the hottest of coaching seats and the QB is the x-factor for the offense – to me that looks like lots of action for Anderson. He was not a factor in the passing game, and he likely will not be with such a solid group of WRs. Chalk up Vic for double digit TDs and 1200+ yards.

3. Mike Ford, USF - I really do not want to put him at 3, but the very friendly first seven weeks should propel him to much success – the success that so many have projected for him since he first committed to Alabama in 2005. 6-2 and 230 pounds of power, if not a little wiggle, sets him up for tons of TD carries for the Bulls.

4. Kordell Young, Rutgers – either Young (SR), Jourdan Brooks (JR) or Joe Martinek (SO, 4 TD in spring) will take the Scarlet Knight gig and take advantage of the easiest schedule in all of the big conferences. I expect Young to win the job since he received most of the 2007 carries before his most recent left knee injury, but he missed the spring while rehabbing. Stay tuned for the fall battle here for some great value at RB.

5. Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati – I have faith that Coach Brian Kelly will maintain an excellent offense – whether or not that will be helped by a defense with one returning starter is up for debate. Soph Pead will fight with red-fresh Darrin Williams for the starting job, but more likely carries will split. There is a history of goal-line specialists here (like Norse god sounding Bradley Glatthaar) carried on by john Goebel with 7 last year. You might be better off with the RBBC at…

6. Syracuse - Delone Carter possesses the most talent, but his injury history hexes any chance of confidently calling him the leader. He will be pushed by youngsters Averin Collier and Atwan Bailey as well, and my friends at Troy Nunes blog lean to Bailey. In 2008, the nation’s quietest 1000 yard rusher was senior Curtis Brinkley who really tailed off in November after an excellent start – with offensive mastermind Doug Marrone in charge I might put Bailey into the top 5 if we can confirm him as the main weapon.

Others

Dion Lewis, Pitt - true freshman looks set to take over for NFL Draft pick LeSean McCoy and his 21 TD. January enrollment is a great signal for a freshman to spring out of the gates – if status quo maintains in fall camp I expect to move him ahead of Mike Ford. If Shariff Harris takes the role back then more revaluation.

Andre Dixon, UConn - this guy kept 2008 nation’s leading rusher Donald Brown on the bench for a year so you know he has skills. New spread offense might be just the ticket for his senior season, or soph Jordan Todman will be the lead Husky.

EMail Vince with questions of follow him on Twitter.

vince[at]fantasycollegeblitz.com

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Related posts:

1. Runningback Rankings: Top 26-50
2. Big East Wide Receiver 2009 Rankings
3. Runningback Rankings: Top 25 for 2008
4. Big East “Other” 2009 rankings
5. 2009 BIG EAST ALL-FANTASY TEAM

Tags: Big East