The fantasy dynamite that was Taywan Taylor, Carlos Henderson, and Corey Davis have graduated and left the top receiver spot up for grabs. With eight weeks left until the college football season kicks off, it’s important to know which receiver will put your team over the top.
10. Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
Kirk led all Texas A&M receivers in receptions last season, and was second in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns for the Aggies. With Josh Reynolds out of the picture, Kirk is the guy in College Station and is in for a big season as he looks to go to the NFL. With 982 yards as a second option last year, look for Kirk to top 1,000 receiving yards this season with more than 10 receiving touchdowns.
Christian Kirk is higher on lists that include points for return yards and touchdowns.
9. Teddy Veal, Louisiana Tech
Carlos Henderson and Trent Taylor accounted for 3,338 receiving yards and 31 receiving touchdowns last season. With both gone, there is a huge opportunity for someone to step up and Veal is that guy. J’Mar Smith hit Veal eight times in the spring game, and the chemistry between the two is undeniable. Veal hasn’t taken many snaps, as he sat out last season due to transfer rules, but it’s hard to ignore the eight reception, 124 yard, and one touchdown spring game.
8. Courtland Sutton, SMU
On top of being an elite NFL prospect coming into this season, Sutton is in for big things this fantasy season in his final season at SMU. Sutton had 2,108 receiving yards between his sophomore and junior seasons and 19 touchdowns, and if Ben Hicks is able to take the next step as a quarterback, then Sutton should be able to top 1,300 yards to conclude his college career. If the quarterback position remains iffy, Sutton should still be able to break 1,100 this season as he cements himself as a first round talent.
7. James Washington, Oklahoma State
Merry Christmas fantasy players, Washington is back in Stillwater for one more season and has Mason Rudolph slinging it to him. Washington is an assured thousand yard receiver, and with a steady runner in Justice Hill and one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, he’s only going to do better. With two 1,000-yard seasons (2015 – 1,087; 2016 – 1,380) Washington has shown that he is one of the more reliable receivers in the game and should have no problem topping 1,200 again this season.[the_ad id=”384″]
6. Cedrick Wilson, Boise State
Things are really lining up for Wilson to have a huge season. After having to split receptions with Thomas Sperbeck last season as well as having Jeremy McNichols carry most of the offense, Wilson is poised to be the guy this season with both gone. Wilson led all Boise State receivers in receiving touchdowns and finished behind Sperbeck in receptions and receiving yards. With 24 fewer receptions, Wilson was only 143 yards behind Sperbeck at the end of the season, showing that the best is yet to come for Wilson.
5. Michael Gallup, Colorado State
Gallup finished last season with the second most receptions and receiving yards, and the most receiving touchdowns in the MWC (Tanner Gentry – 1326 yards; Thomas Sperbeck – 80 Receptions). CSU quarterback Nick Stevens was the fifth most efficient passer in the nation last season, which means that Gallup is only in a position to succeed again this season.
4. Dante Pettis, Washington
Pettis is going to be looked to as the guy for the Huskies this season with the record breaking John Ross off to the NFL. Pettis couldn’t quite top 1,000 yards last season, but he only had two fewer touchdowns than Ross and only one other receiver besides Pettis topped 31 receptions last season. With Ross gone and Jake Browning back for another season, Pettis will see the ball come his way often in 2017.
3. Cody Thompson, Toledo
Thompson has several key factors going for him this season. First, Logan Woodside is back and ready to toss him the ball. Second, Thompson is coming off of a huge season with 1,269 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, and he only gets better statistically as time goes on. Lastly, Kareem Hunt has gone pro. Hunt produced 1,878 yards of total yards on offense, and without him in the picture, Thompson is in a position to produce big numbers this season.
2. Anthony Miller, Memphis
Miller got 95 receptions for 1,434 yards and 14 touchdowns last year. He is a monster. Miller is on the 14th ranked passing offense from last season, and with Riley Ferguson back at quarterback, the 14th ranked offense will look to remain in the top 15. With the chemistry between Ferguson and Miller clicking and a full year of experience in the new Memphis offense, Miller should be at the top of the AAC at the end of the season.
1. Richie James, Middle Tennessee
2,971 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 213 receptions in two seasons: That’s what you get with James on your roster. People thought that James wasn’t going to improve on a 1,346-yard season, and then he pulled out a 1,625-yard season. Now the question: Is it possible for him to do better? I’d like to think so. With Brent Stockstill back from a broken collarbone that he suffered during the regular season, James could top 1,600 if Stockstill stays healthy. Also, Middle Tennessee State was the eighth-ranked passing offense last season, and with Stockstill and James back, they could be in the top five in 2017.
Want to know what quarterback or running back is going first in your league? check out Fantrax’s top ten Fantasy College Football Running Backs and Quarterbacks.
Also go check out the Fantrax Mock Draft page to prepare for your fantasy seasons.