We’ve already discussed how former Wildcats are projected to perform in the cutthroat business that is fantasy football. But how about in fantasy sports’ Johnny-come-lately competition, collegiate fantasy football? With the numbers Arizona’s offense (fingers crossed) figures to produce, you could possibly manage players you love AND dominate your league. It’s like being a Patriots fan!

Let us start by saying that fantasy sports involving college athletes are kinda-sorta illegal, so know going in that creating a fantasy college football team instantly gives you the type of street cred that only a leather jacket could previously provide. So that’s sweet…

Now how do you put together a winning roster? Do Jake Locker’s legs outweigh Willie Tuitama arm? Is it better to grab Jeremiah Johnson early or snag Nic Grigsby late? Is there any scenario where choosing a Sun Devil is, you know, ok? Here’s our list of top targets, and keep in mind, we tried to be as unbiased as possible.

Quarterbacks:

1. Willie Tuitama (Arizona) is the Fantasy God of the Pac-10. He has the offense, the weapons, and the experience. Last year he threw for 3,683 yards, 28 TD’s, 12 INT’s, and had 3 rushing TD’s. Using a commonly accepted point system (below), that gave Willie 227.61 points (he had -163 yards rushing). His second year in the offense — plus a returning supporting cast — should be reason enough to expect about 250 points from Tuitama this year.

2. Jake Locker (Washington), who has been seen walking on Lake Washington in his off time, ranks a close second. His ability to score via ground and air gave him a 2007 point total of 222.54. But he cannot do it all alone (at least we hope not) so we project around 240 points for Locker.

3. Rudy Carpenter (ASU), is a good fantasy QB, even if it hurts to say it. Last year he threw for 3000+ yards, 25 touchdowns, and threw 10 interceptions finishing with around 183 fantasy points. But he was severely hurt by his negative 200 yards rushing (unlike the NFL, sacks count as negative rushing yards). If you don’t expect this trend to change, pick USC’s Sanchez. But if he has time to throw he could be very dangerous.

Notables: USC’s Sanchez (5 NFL caliber receivers, a young but talented line, and his backs can catch too), WSU’s Rogers (They will throw a lot and he has Gibson), Oregon’s Costa (the next Dixon? And before you answer that, do you mean 2006 or 2007?)

Running Back

1. Jeremiah Johnson (Oregon) gets the nod here because of experience. He should get a bulk of the carries, and been productive as a number two back in the past — though he’s recovering from injury. Obviously 1000+ yards is possible but, more importantly, a grip of TDs (10 as a sophomore, 5 TDs in six games last year ). But considering Johnson barely has the top spot locked on his own team (LeGarrette Blount challenges), it’d be easy to see someone else come out on top.

2. Jahvid Best (Cal) plays in a stellar fantasy rushing offense (i.e. Arrington, Lynch, and Forsett) and that’s only 1/18th of the reason why he could be a star. In limited playing experience (due to injury, not ability), Best has already proven he can score anytime, anywhere. A threat as a receiever or rusher, Cal will definitely want the ball in his hands. He could have a breakout year.

3. Kahlil Bell (UCLA) has the second most returning fantasy points at this position (74.4) and he only played 8 games last year. Depending on his recovery from his knee injury, Bell could be a huge fantasy player this year with about 1200+ yards and 8 TD’s. Especially now it does not look like they will be throwing as much.

4. Stefan Johnson/Joe McKnight (USC), make your choice. USC will get the yards and the points, question is who will earn the bulk of the points? Joe McKnight could be the next Reggie Bush. Stefan Johnson could be the next LenDale White. But keep in mind, 100 yards for McKnight would earn 1 fewer point than a 1 yd. TD for Johnson. Forgo the flash and take Stefan.

5. Nic Grigsby (Arizona) is our steal for the draft, but not only because he is a Wildcat. People see the Air-Zona offense and doubt serious fantasy stats from Grigsby. Thing is, Grigsby’s 60.2 points are the third most among returning RBs — and he did not see significant time until week four (!). Arizona will run the ball more effectively this year (again, fingers crossed), and Grigsby is also dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield.

Notables: ASU’s Herring (Returning RB fantasy leader at 75.1, but injuries and running back by committee hurts him. Honest…), OSU’s McCants (freshman will step in for Bernard well, but he’s not a top fantasy guy until O-line proves it can stay healthy), UO’s Blount (Powerful JC transfer could steal TD’s), WSU’s Tardy (His past year was almost identical to Bell’s)

Wide Receivers

1. “Money” Mike Thomas (Arizona) is probably the nation’s highest ranked Pac-10 fantasy player. Last year he led the conference in receptions (83), receiving TD’s (11), and was a close second in receiving yards (1,038). Plus Thomas had 173 yards rushing with a touchdown showing his versatile fantasyness (if not a word, it should be). His tally of 132.55 points last year easily topped the rest of the Pac-10’s receivers. And we expect more (think 150).

2. Brandon Gibson (Washington State) is definitely not far behind Money Mike. He led the conference in receiving (1,180) and pulled down 9 touchdowns. Problem is Gibson has lost his star QB Alex Brink. Still, expect him to put up numbers close to his total of 113 last year in a pass happy offense.

3. Sammie Stroughter (Oregon St.) has received another year of eligibility and should be a very dangerous fantasy player. In his two games last year, Stroughter had 262 yards receiving and a TD. The previous year he had 1,293 yards receiving with 5 TD’s. Also, he’s arguably the conference’s best return guy. He was Mr. Fantasy in the past, this year he could be it again.

4. Jaison Williams (Oregon) is another returning player with big fantasy numbers. Last year his numbers were down from the previous, but he still had 844 yards receiving and 7 touchdowns. There are high expectations for him in 2008 and, at 6′5, 240 pounds, it’s easy to see why. Expect 100+ fantasy points here.

5. The USC receivers, pick one between Patrick Turner, Vidal Hazelton, David Ausberry, and Ronald Johnson. USC ruins fantasy predictions. They have all the athletes, but no one is sure which is going to break out. We have to go with Vidal Hazelton who has underperformed so far in his days at ‘SC, but will probably make this year his shine time. He returns with 535 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns and will look to double those totals this year. But then again the other guys are all pretty amazing too. Grumble, grumble, USC, grumble.

6. Mike Jones Who? (ASU) is a touchdown machine. Last year the guy had a respectable 662 yards receiving, but it was his 10 touchdowns that made him a fantasy threat. Expect more yards from him this year but not the same touchdown total. Some of his touchdown catches will be spread out, but he is still a big time fantasy guy.

Notables: See USC receivers at #5, ASU’s McGaha (Had tons of yardage but only one bleeping TD — vs. Arizona), Arizona’s Terrell Turner (575 yards and 4 TD’s last year, when Tuitama’s hot, Turner’s name gets called a lot more), Stanford’s Sherman (651 yards and 4 TD’s last year, expect same), Washington’s Goodwin (Sophomore who could become Locker’s #1 target, big time sleeper pick)

Tight Ends

1. Rob Gronkowski (Arizona) is the easy pick here. As a freshman he had 525 yards receiving and 6 touchdowns, and this year the coaches are only talking about him doing much more. In fact, Gronk should probably be picked up before most receivers.

2. Ed Dickson, Jr (Oregon) is another receiving tight end that will put up big numbers. He should do better than last year’s 453 yards and three touchdowns.

Notables: Cal’s Morrah (steps up to be the third best fantasy TE in the Pac), WSU’s Frischknecht (came on strong as a backup late last year)

Kickers

1. Thomas Weber (ASU) won the Lou Groza Award and went 25-26. In a conference stacked with kickers, he led with 118 points and will probably do the same again this year.

2. Jason Bondzio (Arizona) did well to help folks forget Nick Folk, going 21-26, finishing with 100 points. Weber better watch out because Arizona should move the ball more this year, and has a tendency to see drives fizzle out in the red zone.

3. Kai Forbath (UCLA) went 25-30 last year and will definitely be pushing these top two after finishing with 95 points.

4. David Buehler (USC), well, the Trojans score a lot of points. He is their kicker. Pick him.

Notables: Oregon’s Evensen, Washington’s Perkins, Cal’s Kay, OSU’s Kahut (possibly better than Serna…)

So obviously, the ‘Cats equal the Patriots. But ASU and USC are very close behind and will produce some big time fantasy athletes. So before you draft this year, remember these key things, USC athletes split points, touchdowns are key, and the Arizona Wildcats rule.

(Based on scoring system of:
50 Passing Yards = 1 pt
Passing Touchdown = 6 pts
20 Rush/Rec Yards = 1 pt
Receiving/Rushing TD = 6pt
Fumble/Interception = -2 pt)

(Photo: Mike Thomas/Reuters)