The Freshman 15: Top new WRs in fantasy college football

February 13th, 2009 by Jason Roberts

Andre Debose (ICON SMI)

In order to prepare you for the 2009 fantasy college football season properly we have invested more time than usual following the recruiting scene, and no one has stepped up more than Jason Roberts. Jason continues his survey of the top five freshman expected at QB, RB and WR – and that equals the dreaded “Freshman 15″.

Andre Debose, WR, University of Florida

If you want to see an exhibition of what pure speed and athleticism looks like embodied in the form of a high school football recruit, then look no further than Andre Dubose of Seminole High School in Sanford, Florida. A 6’0″, 180 pound do-it-all-type athlete that played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and kick returner as a prep football star, Debose is without a doubt one of the most explosive all-around players available in the Class of 2009. As such, expect him to be an ideal replacement for departed all-purpose yardage generator for the University of Florida, Percy Harvin. Lighting quick both off the line and downfield when separating from opposing defenders after the catch, Debose remains at his best when making plays happen with the type of ankle-breaking moves characteristic of only the most elite athletes.

He is, say scouts, much better in the short-passing game, where his speed and agility can do the greatest amount of damage; deep, vertical routes are an area in which Debose’s coaches are going to need work with him, particularly when it comes to teaching the young receiver how to compensate for the more physical play of SEC corners and safetys when stretching the field. Still, given his an outstanding sense of athleticism, there is no doubt that Debose will quickly draw comparisons to the flash and flair that Harvin brought to the Gators’ offensive playbook whenever he was on the field. This youngster, by all assessments, is the real deal and could be biggest draw at wideout for the 2009 recruiting class.

More on Reuben Randle, Marlon Brown and others after the jump.

Reuben Randle, WR, Louisiana State University

Many college programs around the country over the last few years have made a point of seeking out recruits at the wide receiver position whose size and build make them a situational go-to, particularly whenever their respective offenses gets into scoring position inside an opponent’s 20-yard line. Yet, as was the case with many players like Florida State University’s Greg Carr, such athletes generally find themselves trapped within a give-and-take scenario out on the field in which height and leaping ability are gained at the sacrifice of speed and ability to gain extra yards after the catch. Randle, many believe, could be a rare exception to that rule, with the Bastrop High School receiver serving as a frightening combination of physical size and strength, but also speed and athleticism.

Though playing at quarterback in his senior year (31 total touchdowns, 19 of which came off passes, a completion rating of 60%, and rushing yards totaling over 600 for the season), the Louisiana District Offensive MVP is slated to start at wideout; regardless, expectations are that Randle could easily be transitioned – a la Percy Harvin – to the quarterback position as a threat to either run with or pass the ball as well. He’s extremely fast off the line and more times than not, beats defenders solidly on vertical pass routes. Scouts as well savor the fact that Randle isn’t afraid to go over the middle to make a tough pass, and has proven more than capable of making an acrobatic catch. He’s considered as a fantastic return threat and should be expected to play a significant role on LSU’s special teams. Route-running is sometimes not as crisp as some who have evaluated Randle would like, but should improve with time. All elements considered, there is little doubt that the newest addition to the Tigers receiving corps will create mismatches at all levels of the Tigers’ offensive game plan and makes Randle an all-purpose menace likely to have opposing defensive coordinators everywhere befuddled as to how to shut this talented athlete down.

Marlon Brown, WR, University of Georgia

Brown, like Ambrose, ought to be considered more an athlete than a wide receiver considering all the positions he played in high school. The 6’5″ and 205 pound youngster out of Memphis, Tennessee was a prominent part of the offense at Harding Academy, and was oftentimes found lining up not only at wideout, but also quarterback, halfback, slot back, and as a kick returner. A physical specimen considering his overall size, Brown serves as a magnificent downfield target (especially in the redzone) that loses very little in terms of overall speed in spite of his build. He brings a physical style of play to catching the ball and isn’t afraid to go over the middle in order to bring in a pass, with hands and arms big enough to pull in even the widest of throws. Upper body strength is a major plus for Brown, allowing him to easily break away from smaller defenders. Breakaway speed is somewhat of a concern for scouts, with Brown oftentimes relying on agility and deception to outmaneuver a perspective tackler. Still, there is far more upside than downside to this young man, and matched up with now-sophomore phenom A.J. Green at wide receiver for the Bulldogs, should give the University of Georgia a significant advantage when it comes to lining up against opposing defensive backs in the SEC.

Shaquelle Evans, WR, University of Notre Dame

Scouts love Evans’ size – 6’1″ and 203 pounds – but note that watching the youngster from Inglewood, California (Inglewood High School) is more like observing a much smaller and quicker receiver that his physical makeup would suggest. He is incredibly fast off the line and gets downfield quickly, closing the initial gap between wideout and defender in short time, and then turning instantly up field with in a flash of speed. Evans is also considered by many a brawler when it comes to going up and getting the ball and loves the physicality of turning to the interior of the field to make the catch and move the chains. That being the case, Evans is the complete package: a receiver capable of breaking open downfield due to a combination of quickness and maneuverability, yet both tall and physical enough to be a vertical target when the long ball is thrown or his team gets down near the goal line. He’s excellent as a kick returner as well, a skill which only makes him all the much more appealing as an incoming freshman for the Fighting Irish. Concerns rest with his commitment to running crisp routes as well as how well he’ll do initially against press coverage. Yet, overall, Evans is one of the better recruits at receiver that the Class of 2009 can stake claim to and could very well be a major sleeper to keep an eye on heading into fall.

Randall Carroll, WR, University of California – Los Angeles

Ask most recruiting experts who they think won the recruiting battle for the city of Los Angeles – Pete Carroll at USC or Rick Neuheisel at UCLA – and the answer very weill may surprise you. The Bruins had quite a haul by the time National Signing Day came and went, with Randall Carroll, a 5’11″ and 175 pound receiver from local Cathedral High School one of the primary catches for 2009. A tad undersized and sporting a wiry frame, Carroll not only played at wideout for Cathedral, but also saw time at tailback and as a return specialist, making him a versatile athlete that could potentially line up at a variety of positions for UCLA come fall. He has plenty of speed, an attribute which quickly gets the wideout downfield, say scouts, but is better served running inside slants and other underneath routes. Carroll had excellent hands and can bring in nearly anything thrown his way, but is not, however, real shifty when it comes to avoiding defenders after the catch. He should therefore be a solid target for whoever starts under center for UCLA come fall, but may not be the breakout type player that Michael Crabtree was for Texas Tech or Dez Bryant is for Oklahoma State. Still, don’t underestimate Carroll’s ability to impact the Bruins’ offense. He’s a quality recruit that is easily coachable and has a passion for the game – something which Neuheisel badly needs in order to establish a strong foundation upon which a more competitive Bruins program can regain its composure.

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