X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

NCAA Prospects To Watch: Week 12: Running Back Edition

Eric Samulski identifies key offensive players to watch in Week 5 of the 2019 NCAA football season. These QB, RB, WR, and TE could be important prospects for dynasty and devy fantasy football owners to monitor.

Now that we’re into the final few weeks of the college football regular season, we changed the format of this piece. Last week we began looking at a different fantasy position and highlighting some of the key future fantasy stars to watch on Saturday. In order to give dynasty owners and owners in larger leagues a leg up, we’re not solely going to focus on the likely first-round picks but also players who could be drafted later in the NFL Draft but emerge as impactful fantasy stars.

After doing quarterbacks last week, we’ll move to the running back position. First, let’s look at how last week’s featured players performed:

Week 11's Featured Players

Jacob Eason, Washington – Projection: 2nd Round Pick – Eason really struggled last Friday, completing 16 of 32 passes for 175 yards and two interceptions against Oregon State. It’s not the type of performance he needed against a mediocre defense. His work during the year likely keeps him in the day two conversation, but his ultimate upside becomes more questionable if he can’t thrive in matchups like this.

Tua Tagovaila, Alabama - Projection: Top 5 Pick – Tua played well on a hobbled ankle in an epic matchup last Saturday. Throwing for 418 yards and four touchdowns against a defense like LSU’s is no joke. At points, it seemed like LSU would run away with the game, but Tua led Alabama back. He throws one of the best deep balls in the game and is going to be a top-5 pick.

Joe Burrow, LSU - Projection: Top 5-10 Pick – The only reason Tua might not be the top overall pick is because of what Burrow did in that exact same game. The senior completed 31 of 39 passes for 393 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 64 yards. It was the type of performance that wins you a Heisman and makes you lots of money. Burrow is going to be good.

Sam Ehlinger, Texas - Projection: Third or Fourth Round Pick – Ehlinger was contained on the ground, with only 40 yards on 14 carries, but he was efficient threw the air, completing 22 of 29 passes for 293 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He’s likely not going to win games in the NFL because of his arm, but he showed that he’s come a long way when forced to pass and it’s possible that his growth will move him into the day two conversation.

Anthony Gordon, Washington State - Projection: Day Three Pick – Gordon threw the ball all over Cal, completing 45 of 58 passes for 407 yards and two touchdowns. He recovered from a rough start and completed 19 straight at one point, showing off his rhythm and accuracy in the spread offense. If he goes to a team that employs quick reads and spread concepts, Gordon could be a sneaky fantasy option.

Jordan Love, Utah State - Projection: Anywhere from First to Fourth Round Pick – We got good Love on Saturday, as he completed 30 of 39 passes for 388 yards and two touchdowns. Most importantly, he threw no interceptions. He read the field well, took what was given to him, and showed off his impressive arm. All of which is why some team is liable to take him on day two and try to work the inconsistencies out of his game.

Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma - Projection: First Round Pick – Hurts played well, but Oklahoma got a bit conservative late in the game, as they almost blew a big lead against Iowa State. As a result of a less aggressive gameplan, Hurts completed only 18 passes for 273 yards and three interceptions, while also scoring two touchdowns on 68 yards rushing. Even held to 3.1 yards per carry, Hurts was able to do damage with his legs. He’s far from a perfect quarterback, but he’s going to be a QB1 in fantasy if he goes to a team that will embrace his rushing ability.

This series covers players featured in nationally televised games who could likely emerge as fantasy assets after next year’s draft. 

Week 12 Matchup to Watch - Saturday Early Games

Wisconsin - Nebraska 12:00 PM ET

Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin Projection: 2nd Round Pick

Five years ago, Taylor would have been a first-round pick. Now that the position has been devalued, he’ll slip into the second day and immediately slot in as a starter for an NFL team. He has an impressive blend of size and speed and has even become a much bigger part of the passing game this year, catching 18 passes already after only catching eight each of his first two seasons. He’s a well-rounded player who could have a Josh Jacobs-type rookie season.

 

Kansas - Oklahoma State 12:00 PM ET

Chubba Hubbard, Oklahoma State - Projection: 3rd Round Pick

In addition to having the best name in the draft class (reminds me of my favorite Ben & Jerry’s flavor) Hubbard also packs punch as a runner. He is shifty in space, allows blocks to set up, and shows good balance on contact. The only downside is that his passing game role has seemed to diminish. He caught 22 passes last year while splitting time with Justice Hill but has only nine catches so far this year. He’s shown the ability in the past to be effective in that role, but he’ll need it for fantasy success. He’s also not a great blocker right now, so he might lose passing-down work for that as well, which would cap any fantasy upside.

Alabama - Mississippi State 12:00 PM ET

Najee Harris, Alabama State - Projection: Late Day Two / Early Day Three

People keep predicting Najee Harris in rounds four and five, but I watch him play and just don’t understand that. He has incredible juice in his legs and finishes runs aggressively. At 6’2” 230 pounds, I see a back that can dish out contact and withstand a lead back role, and now he’s added receiving chops to his resume. I think he’s one of the best backs in the draft and will immediately earn a fantasy role next year.

Week 12 Matchup to Watch: Afternoon Games

Georgia - Auburn 3:30 PM ET

D’Andre Swift, Georgia Projection: First Round Pick

The consensus top running back in the draft, Swift is also the most likely to be taken in the back half of the first round. He’s not the biggest back in the draft, but he handles contact well and is elusive in the open field, which has helped him become a consistent big-play threat both as a runner and a receiver. He’s not going to run NFL defenders over, but he has good vision and allows his blockers to get set, which means he doesn’t often half to. He’s two inches shorter than Christian McCaffrey but is already bigger in college than McCaffrey was, and the Panthers star made himself into a more powerful runner since being in the NFL. There’s no reason that Swift won’t be able to either while still keeping his dynamic athleticism.

 

Clemson - Wake Forest 3:30 PM ET

Travis Etienne, Clemson Projection: Second Round Pick

Etienne is likely the most explosive player in the draft. He rips off chunk plays on a consistent basis and is averaging over eight yards a carry for the second straight year. He’s also becoming more involved in the Clemson passing game, hauling in 22 passes already after catching 12 all of last year. He can make one cut and explode into the open field, but that has also caused him to look for those big runs every time he gets the ball, which is why Etienne is the biggest fantasy question mark for me. If he can curb the desire to bounce everything outside and hit the big play, he could be a dynamic fantasy running back, but if he keeps searching for big gains on every single run, he’s going to get hit in the backfield a lot versus NFL defenses and hurt his fantasy teams.

 

Week 12 Matchups to Watch: Night Games

South Florida - Cincinnati 7:o0 PM ET

Michael Warren, Cincinnati – Projection: Day Three Pick

Michael Warren is a grinder. He runs hard and makes people pay for trying to tackle him. At 5’11” 225, he can certainly dish out punishment. He’s not elusive in space, but he’s proven to be a reliable pass-catcher when called on and is a real threat around the goal-line. As a fantasy player, he is never going to carry the load for a team, but his running style will also make him a red-zone option which could make him fantasy relevant if he gets drafted to a team that can threaten to score often.

 

LSU - Ole Miss 7:00 PM ET

Scottie Phillips, Ole Miss Projection: Late Day Three

I just like watching Scottie Phillips play. He’s battled some injuries this year, which has caused him to miss games and some opportunities to impress the masses, but I see a player who, while small, is shifty in space and powerful on his cuts. He might only be 5’8” but he’s not a Tarik Cohen since he packs much more power in his lower body. I’d be more bullish if he had put more receiving work on tape at Ole Miss, but I think Phillips could emerge as an intriguing committee back, like Jaylen Samuels has in Pittsburgh.

Oregon State- Arizona State 7:30 PM ET

Eno Benjamin, Arizona State Projection: Early Day Three Pick

Benjamin has had a tough year dealing with some injuries and a down year for the Sun Devils. He’s a powerful runner who doesn’t have the elusive skills of some of the other backs mentioned, so he’s struggled to deal with some stacked boxes this year. He’s a good pass catcher and a competent blocker, so he’s effective in the passing game, but I just don’t see that being his NFL future. He looks like more of a downhill runner who will be part of a committee. However, he has good vision and excellent leg drive, so he might emerge as part of a committee in which he’s given the goal-line carries and able to secure fantasy value, like Jordan Howard this year in Philadelphia. I don’t expect that right away, but I believe it’s in his future.

More NCAA Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
NFL

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Ha-Seong Kim

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim From Injured List
Christian Moore

Placed on Injured List With Thumb Sprain
Luis L. Ortiz

the Subject of Gambling Investigation
Jordan Lawlar

to Miss Multiple Weeks With Hamstring Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Receives Encouraging News on his Hand
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Toronto Raptors

Sandro Mamukelashvili Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Danny Gray

Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dane Belton

Should Have a Role in 2025
Kaiir Elam

Flashes During Offseason Workouts
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Riley Greene

Homers Twice, Drives in Six on Wednesday
Max Muncy

Exits With Apparent Knee Injury
Christian Moore

Exits Early with Thumb Irritation
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Josh Naylor

Returning to Diamondbacks Lineup
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Oronde Gadsden

an Active Pass-Catcher This Offseason
Brashard Smith

Speed Could be Put to Use
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Pat Bryant

Off to a Good Start
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
Cody Barton

Quickly Becoming a Leader With his New Team
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
Montaric Brown

has Worked With Starters
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
DET

James van Riemsdyk Joins Red Wings on One-Year Contract
Viktor Arvidsson

Traded to Boston
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Josh Jung

Sent to Triple-A
Jurickson Profar

Officially Reinstated and Hitting in Five-Hole on Wednesday
Spencer Schwellenbach

Going on Injured List With Fractured Elbow
Maxwell Hairston

Facing Sexual-Assault Lawsuit
Tai Felton

Rookie Season Likely to be Spent on Special Teams
LeQuint Allen Jr.

to Have Receiving Role for Jaguars?
Justin Walley

Turning Heads Going into Rookie Season
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
Jamari Thrash

Establishing Himself as Reliable Option
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Brandon Woodruff

Likely to Pitch on Sunday in Miami
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
PHI

Dan Vladar Links Up With Flyers on Two-Year Deal
Zac Gallen

Fans 10 in Tuesday's Win
Hunter Goodman

Hits Two More Homers Tuesday
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Jeff Green

Signs One-Year Deal to Remain in Houston
Los Angeles Lakers

Jake LaRavia Lands with Lakers
Orlando Magic

Tyus Jones Signs One-Year Deal With Magic
Golden State Warriors

Kevon Looney Heads to New Orleans
Milwaukee Bucks

Jericho Sims Staying in Milwaukee
Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins Nuggets
Detroit Pistons

Duncan Robinson Lands With Detroit
Charlotte Hornets

Tre Mann Remaining in Charlotte
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF