Although there are only 3 Division I-FBS Independents left, there will be plenty of fantasy talent available at those schools.

The Independent school that has piqued the most interest is Notre Dame, as they bring in new head coach Brian Kelly (photo, thanks, Scout.com).  Kelly has produced potent offenses, and winning teams, while at Central Michigan and (most recently) Cincinnati….and could put some spark into a Fighting Irish offense that could use a little more consistency.

Meanwhile, Navy and Army will continue to run their option offenses, giving fantasy players some running, fantasy-worthy QBs

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ARMY BLACK KNIGHTS

This is head coach Rich Ellerson’s second year at West Point, and look for Army to be a little more familiar with the new option offense installed last season.  Also, with a relatively easy 2010 schedule (especially early in the season), the Black Knights will have some late-round fantasy considerations on the roster.

QB Trent Steelman should improve on his 2009 numbers, where he rushed for over 700 yards, 5 rushing TDs, and threw for another 637 yards (3 passing TDs)….as a freshman.  An interesting pick could be FB Jared Hassan, an Air Force transfer who is 6-3, 235 lbs…about as big as the USMA offensive lineman  RB/SB Patrick Mealy rushed for nearly 700 yards and 3 TDs in 2009…averaging 6 yards per carry.

NAVY MIDSHIPMEN

Two words:  Ricky Dobbs.  The Middies QB set an NCAA record for single-season rushing TDs by a QB last season, with 27.  With all those TDs, Dobbs also rushed for 1203 yards, threw for 1031 (at nearly 10 yards per completion), and tossed 6 TD passes.  With 3 O-Line starters back, and, a little easier schedule…Dobbs could equal those totals this season.  He is a first-round pick in any fantasy league….especially those that reward rushing TDs more than passing TDs.

Although USNA’s option attack distributes the ball to many different backs and receivers, FB Vince Murray is a nice late-round pick up…as he rushed for nearly 1000 yards and scored 6 TDs in 2009…Murray definitely gets 15-17 carries per game.  RB/SB Marcus Curry is a big play threat every time he has the ball….rushing for nearly 600 yards (7.2 yds per carry), averaged over 28 yards per catch on 10 receptions…and scored 8 total TDs…Curry’s big play ability is nice for leagues that offer bonuses for big-play TDs.

NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH

So, what talent does Brian Kelly have on his first Irish squad that will pique the interest of fantasy players?  Start with WR Michael Floyd, who had nearly 800 yards receiving and 9 TDs…all while missing a few games due to injury, and, being the second WR target behind the departed Golden Tate.  Floyd should surpass his 2009 totals in 2010, and he is one of the top WRs for your fantasy draft.

The new starting QB should be Dayne Crist, who was one of the most heralded prep QBs a couple of years ago, and worthy of a draft pick.  Along with WR Floyd, he will have some other good targets in experienced WR Duval Kamara (218 rec yds, 1 TD) and TE Kyle Rudolph (364 rec yds, 3 TDs)….Rudolph is especially valuable in leagues where TE must play.

Do not look for any real improvement in the running game under Kelly, as his offenses are geared to pass.   A late-round pick may be had in RB Armando Allen, who had almost 700 yards rushing, over 200 yards receiving, and 3 TDs.

Related posts:

1. INDEPENDENTS 2009 PREVIEW
2. 2011 Independents Preview
3. Independents Preview
4. WAC 2010 PREVIEW
5. SUN BELT CONFERENCE 2010 PREVIEW

Tags: Army, Brian Kelly, Michael Floyd, Navy, Notre Dame, Ricky Dobbs