Tennessee finally finds their man. A former Pac-12 coach heads to the American. An SEC Standout is transferring to Ann Arbor. Let’s take a look at the events of this past week and what their fantasy impacts may be.
Coaching Hires
Tennessee Finally Lands a Head Coach
Jeremy Pruitt has been a name circulating in coaching circles since his tenure as the Defensive Coordinator at Florida State. The Vols have been the laughing stock of the college football world since the Greg Schiano debacle. As with most coordinators that work under Nick Saban, I would imagine that Tennessee will have a strong defense with a basic ground-and-pound offense. This bodes well for John Kelly (should he decide to return next season), but it hurts the potential of Jarrett Guarantano.
The Mustangs Turn to Sonny Dykes
Ben Hicks was high on my list for next season until Chad Morris left for Arkansas. I was unsure of how well Hicks would do until it was reported that Sonny Dykes would take over at SMU. Now I’m excited again. The Air Raid system that Dykes will bring in pretty well assures that Hicks will throw for 3,500+ yards, which also bodes well for breakout receiver Trey Quinn (should he decide to return). The Mustangs defense won’t be any better, but the Air Raid is fantasy gold for whoever drafts their quarterback.
The Ducks Ride with Cristobal
Continuity is key for the Oregon Ducks right now. Oregon will now have three head coaches in three seasons, and that does not work well for recruiting. Cristobal provides youth, experience with great head coaches, and continuity. Cristobal spoke with fishduck.com and described how he would look to continue to balance out the Oregon Ducks offense next season. The offense may change slightly, but expect the Oregon backs to score like Oregon backs, and for Justin Herbert to be Justin Herbert.
Player News
Shea Patterson is Going to Michigan
Michigan’s quarterback situation was certainly complex, to say the least. The moment Patterson steps foot in Ann Arbor, he will be the most talented quarterback in Ann Arbor. He won’t have to miss this season with transfer rules considering the NCAA sanctions enforced upon Ole Miss. This season will show what direction Jim Harbaugh is taking the Wolverines, as this is the first time he’s had a quarterback of this magnitude.
Tavares Martin Jr. Is Very Confusingly Dismissed
Tavares Martin Jr. was the leading receiver for Cougars this season with 70 receptions and 831 receiving yards. It was reported that he was dismissed for a “violation of team rules.” However, Martin later tweeted that he was dismissed for asking for his release.
I was dismissed from the team because I asked for my release. I never knew me asking for my release was a violation of the team rules.
— Tavares Martin Jr. (@ASAP_561) December 10, 2017
Whether or not this is true, Martin is a big-time playmaker that will make an impact wherever he decides to attend. Isaiah Johnson-Mack has also left the team. This leaves the Cougars without their top two receivers from 2017.
Jacob Park is Leaving the Cyclones For Good
Jacob Park mysteriously left the Iowa State football program for personal reasons earlier in the season. This ironically left fans with one of the most entertaining quarterback situations of the season, with fourth-string quarterback Zeb Noland almost taking down Oklahoma State. It is unclear if Park will have to sit out a season due to transfer rules or not. What is clear is that in the first four games of 2017, Park threw for 1,181 yards and nine touchdowns. Keep checking back for more updates on his status going forward.
Other News
- Johnny Huntley (FA WR) is transferring away from Colorado.
- James Robinson (UF WR) is retiring from football due to a heart condition.
- Travon McMillian (FA RB) will transfer as a graduate from Virginia Tech.
- Antonio Callaway (UF WR) has declared for the NFL Draft after spending 2017 suspended.
- Hayden Hurst (SCAR TE) has declared for the NFL Draft.