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Independents Preview
By Jason Collette | August 17, 2008
The independent teams were mostly a fantasy nightmare last year. Unless you owned part of the Navy option attack, owning anyone in this group was frustrating last year. 2008 should be a bit better but it really is more of the same for these three teams in terms of fantasy contributions.
At quarterback, the only two players worth consideration are Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada and Jimmy Clausen. Kaipo is the man to own because of all the rushing yards and touchdowns. His passing numbers are quite low so all of his value is in his rushing. The good news there is that he can’t hurt you with interceptions since he doesn’t throw a lot. Jarod Bryant is behind him and is an incredible athlete that might find his way on the field at a few positions. Meanwhile, Jimmy Clausen should have more time to throw this year so he doesn’t have to spend so much time running around or flat on his back this year. He has everyone but Carlson returning to help him so the experience of a nearly intact offense should help Clausen in 2008 and might make him worth a QB3 spot.
Runningback options are pretty slim in this group and nobody should be considered for a RB1 spot. Navy fullback Eric Kettani is the best option because he’s the dive guy in the option attack and gets a lot of touches in the red zone. He scored ten times last year. Shun White is one of the slot backs who is explosive in the open field and scored seven times while rushing for more than 700 yards. James Aldridge gets the rock for the Irish but that is not necessarily a great thing. He led the Irish in carries last year and still failed to find the end zone. The Army rushing attack returns but it is nearly punchless and offers no fantasy value. They are moving into more of an option style offense themselves so watch to see if anyone steps up in the offense as they open against Temple and New Hampshire.
Given the service academies will be running a ton, the receiver are not worth mentioning. Jeremy Trimble was great at Army last year but the offensive switch makes it highly unlikely a service academy WR will be at 900 yards and 7 scores again this year or even half those numbers. The only wide receiver worth drafting on draft day is Notre Dame’s Duval Kamara. The big receiver led the Irish in receiving touchdowns last season and had the most receptions of all returning receivers. Mike Ragone fills in John Carlson’s role but it is tough to imagine Ragone being the threat Carlson was.
None of these offenses are very high powered so their kickers do not see the field enough to be considered. The defenses are mostly undersized and do not generate a lot of turnovers but the Irish have a rather weak schedule making them a good backup defense. Games against San Diego St, Stanford, Washington, and Syracuse are good plays for the defense.
Topics: Jason Collette, Preview |
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