Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE
Fantasy football is about knowing the next big star, just as much as it is about knowing who is a star. To help you in your dynasty leagues, here is an early look at my top-10 NCAA football players heading into the 2013 NFL draft:
1. QB Matt Barkley, USC (SNR-6’2” 230) – The next great first overall pick. He can make every throw on the field and has been starting since he was a freshman. Barkley is the true definition of a field general and will be the next elite quarterback to come into the NFL.
2. RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina (JNR-6’0” 218) – Lattimore is finally healthy, and is once again running over the competition in the SEC. He is a physical inside runner and always finishes off runs. He is easily the most intriguing running back prospect in college right now.
3. QB Landry Jones, Oklahoma (SNR-6’4” 218) – Jones is coming off an average 2011 performance, but has managed the game well through 2012. He has shown more poise in the pocket and, right now, he is looking like the second quarterback that will come off the board in next year’s draft.
4. RB Montee Ball. Wisconsin (SNR-5’11” 212) – Ball is one of the true workhorse backs in the nation. He received 307 carries last season and the senior has already tallied 84 through three games this season.
5.QB Tyler Bray, Tennessee (JNR-6’6” 215) – Bray has steadily improved each season since his freshman season and with three years starting experience; is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the nation. Bray can make every throw on the field and has an absolute cannon for an arm. He will no doubt be a first rounder some day, as he follows in the footsteps of the last great Volunteer quarterback, Peyton Manning.
6. QB Tyler Wilson, Arkansas (SNR-6’3” 220) – Wilson may have a head injury now, but make no mistake; he will be a first rounder next April. Wilson is a prototypical pocket passer, something that has become a dying bread among NFL prospects.
7. WR Marqise Lee, USC (SOPH-6’4” 195) – Lee is the most electric receiver in the nation. He is very imposing in the middle of the field and has the speed to burn any corner down the sideline.
8. RB Le’Veon Bell, Michigan State (JNR-6’2” 244) – Bell is a massive 240 pounds and is surprisingly still agile enough to do a standing flip. He will be a late first round pick when he enters the draft, but unfortunately he may not come out until 2014.
9. QB Collin Klein, Kansas State (6-5” 226) – Klein has completed 72.9% of his passes so far this year and will be one of the most underrated prospects in this coming draft. He has great size and strong mechanics; two things that are not necessarily required from first round quarterbacks anymore.
10. RB Ray Graham, Pittsburgh (SNR-5’9” 190) – Graham remains the only reliable running back in the city of Pittsburgh. He is strong, elusive, and refuses to go down. He could be this year’s Doug Martin.
Just Missed: QB Aaron Murray (Georgia), WR Robert Woods (USC), QB E. J. Manuel (Florida State), RB Knile Davis (Arkansas)
