By Daniel Freer
Signing Day has been completed….and fans everywhere have had some time to digest (or regurgitate…depending on the school) the recruiting classes for 2008.
In this anyalysis from Fantasy College Blitz, we grabbed our crystal ball….actually more like that old “8-ball” that I had since I was a kid….and project some of incoming freshman quaterbacks who could have an immediate impact.
These incoming freshman signal-callers are names you should look out for when selecting players for your 2008 rosters later this year.
RILEY DODGE – North Texas: If I was a betting man…or a good fantasy GM (haha), this is the one incoming frosh QB who will have the biggest impact for 2008. Dodge orginially committed to Texas before his senior season in HS, and decommitted after his father, Todd Dodge, took the North Texas head coaching job. The younger Dodge put up wicked numbers at Southlake Carroll (TX) HS, before and after his father coached at the same HS. Although true-sophomore Giovanni Vizza at times shined in the Mean Green’s “Dodge Ball” offense last season….Vizza’s one season of experience cannot match Riley Dodge’s 19 seasons being familiar with the offense…and its creator.
RYAN GRIFFIN – Tulane: A highly-regarded QB who could be starting at any BCS-level school, Griffin, from West Hills, CA, will make his way down to the Big Easy school with a real shot at becoming the starter for 2008. Anthony Scelfo, the 2007 starter, at times played well, but, he was brought into TU when uncle Chris Scelfo was head coach. Now, with current head coach Bob Toledo using his California background (former UCLA coach) to lure Griffin….the current head man may have found his QB of the future…and the present. The old saying “coaches like their own recruits” will take effect here.
TEVIN WASHINGTON and JAYBO SHAW – Georgia Tech: OK…I may have cheated here a little…naming two QBs for one program. However, with new head coach Paul Johnson coming in with his option-style offense…you can be sure these two prospects will be given every chance to thrive. Also, with current Yellow Jacket QBs Taylor Bennett and Calvin Booker not exactly going game-breaker in the former offensive scheme…the odds will be against the latter QBs being the starters in 2008.
DAYNE CRIST – Notre Dame: After going 3-9 last season, Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis will really be on the hot seat if the Fighting Irish struggle early in 2008. Although true-sophomore Jimmy Clausen and junior Evan Sharpley return, the Notre Dame offense was one of the worst in the country in 2007. If those two QBs struggle early, the Domer fans, boosters, and Touchdown Jesus will be clamoring for Crist to play.
E. J. MANUEL – Florida State: Yes, the Noles will return (at least) Drew Weatherford at QB, and have some other QBs on the roster, but, the QB position at FSU has been somewhat schizophrenic at times in past seasons. If Weatherford and company cannot produce…do not be surprised if Manuel gets a chance to play. Also, with the pending NCAA punishment for academic infractions on the horizon…the Noles will need something to perk up a potential lean season or two.
TAYLOR COOK and JACORY HARRIS – Miami: Wimping out again by not picking one specific QB, but, these two QBs will be in the mix for the starter in Coral Gables/Dolphins Stadium next season. Cook, from Texas, and Harris, from 2007 HS National Champion Miami Northwestern, are big-time QBs in a recruiting class rated as #1 in nation. With the inconsistent Kirby Freeman and the untested Robert Marve returning, Canes head-man Randy Shannon will give Cook and Harris every chance to win the starting job in 2008.
Daniel contributes to Fantasy College Blitz
