The stock of WAC running backs runs deep, which is good for offensive coordinators and bad for fantasy drafting. From by-committee juggernauts to unproven home-run hitters, here are the top five WAC fantasy running backs for 2009.

Porter tops our list of WAC RBs to watch in 2009 (thanks, LTSports)

1. Daniel Porter, Louisiana Tech

Fact: LaTech would have won more games last year if Porter had been the starter from game one. Instead, as Porter sat idly by, senior Patrick Jackson got most of the early carries, reducing Porter to a change-of-pace role. Not this year. Porter’s the man, and if he fulfills the glimpses of greatness he flashed last season, he’ll be a good one. As it is, Porter still got 1262 and 9 TDs and was the de facto “guy we have to stop” for opposing teams. This year, he will be LaTech’s focal point, too, as QB Ross Jenkins isn’t so much talented as satisfactory. Porter has the skills to carry the Bulldogs; finally the Bulldogs will be letting him.

2. Vai Taua, Nevada

You may be wondering why he’s not number one on this list. After all, the junior had 1567 yards and 15 TDs last year in relief of injured starter Luke Lippincott. And therein lays the rub. Lippincott is back and could steal some stats from the WAC’s reigning rushing champ. But with plenty of stats to go around for Nevada, Taua still has the potential for big 2009 numbers.

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Colin Kaepernick, University of Nevada, leading a victory over UNLV (courtesy ISM.com)

The WAC is blessed with prolific quarterbacks, mostly because it is not blessed with many prolific defenses. From a Heisman darkhorse (or two!) to a new starter with upside, here are the top five WAC fantasy quarterbacks for 2009. 
 
1. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada 
If you have not heard Kaepernick’s name, then you probably live West of the Mississippi and know him only as “that beanpole no one can tackle.” Kaepernick went for 3979 combined yards from scrimmage, 39 total TDs, and a WAC Player of the Year honor as a sophomore last season. He is the best fantasy player the WAC has to offer. He returns for his junior season with more experience, a renewed desire to shore up his only weakness (completing passes), and the near certainty of improving on last year’s numbers. With a non-conference slate that includes UNLV and Colorado State, and a conference slate featuring WAC teams, Kaepernick has the potential to go off in a big way in 2009.  Read the rest of this entry →