Entering the 2009 season, every College Fantasy Football owner knew the names Keenum, Bryant, Gresham, Potts, Tebow, Bradford, and many more.  What wins championships however is how the owners do at managing their waiver wire, finding the next superstar and riding the hot hand.  While none of the below players are their positions top scorer, each has provided their owners with outstanding production and has hopefully led them to the top of the standings.

Aztec QB Ryan Lindley has some huge games under first-year coach Brady Hoke (Icon SMI)

Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego State - Not many fantasy owners even knew Lindley’s name prior to the 2009 season and for those owners that now have him on their team, they are happy.  Lindley has led the Aztecs to a respectable 3-4 record and is tied for third in the nation with 17 touchdown passes.  Although he does have 10 interceptions, he ranked in the top 20 in yards per game with 270.  Not bad for a waiver wire addition who can start for many teams.

DeMaundray Woolridge, RB, Idaho - Not only is Idaho having their best team season in many years (6-2), Woolridge has established himself as a touchdown machine.  Through 8 games, Woolridge is averaging 5.5 yards per rush and has scored 12 times.  The reality is that his yards per game average is only 67.9.  However, when you have a back scoring at least once a game, while playing on a winning team that is holding leads late, you have yourself a prime-time fantasy back.

Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh - After LeSean McCoy and Larod Stephens-Howlings left Pittsburgh, not many experts knew what to expect from the Panthers ground game in 2009.  Lewis has been the savior for the 7-1 Panthers, who ranks second in the nation with 1,029 yards, ranks 7^th with 11 TD’s, and is 6^th in the nation with 128.6 yards per game.  The Panthers schedule has been favorable and playing in the defensive challenged Big East, Lewis should continue to put up staggering numbers as the Panthers fight for the conference crown.

More breaking down the break outs after the jump.

Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pittsburgh - Lewis’ teammates Dickerson has become one of the elite Tight Ends in the country this year.  Dickerson has become Bill Stull’s favorite target, as evidence by his 9 touchdowns which is first in the nation for all primary pass catching players, not just Tight Ends.  Dickerson also has 32 receptions and has provided owners with a solid fantasy number every week, especially for a position that has lacked any solid performers on a consistent basis all year.

Nebraska Defense - Are the Black Shirts back?  The Cornhuskers were rarely drafted in 2009 because of their swiss cheese performance in 2008.  Nebraska however is only allowing 11.4 points per game which is 4^th in the nation, while ranking 8^th in allowing only 266.4 yards per game.  Those stats are sure to increase in the high octane Big 12, however any team in that conference allowing under 12 points per game this far into the season should be recognized.

Others considered:

Blair White, WR, Michigan State

Donald Buckram, RB, UTEP

Greg Salas, WR, Hawaii

Ricky Dobbs, QB, Navy

Who else do you think deserves breakout status? Comment here or on the Forum!

Related posts:

1. Feast or Famine: Take a Look at Those Tight Ends
2. Feast or Famine: Sticky Rice
3. SEC Sleepers and Breakout Players
4. Feast or Famine: Replacing the Man
5. Feast or Famine: Second Helpings

Tags: Breakout