Cast of Characters: 

Running Backs

Charles Clay (junior - 2009)
Jamad Williams (junior)

Wide Receivers

Damaris Johnson (sophomore)
Slick Shelley (senior)
A.J. Whitmore (junior)
Trae Johnson (junior)
Anthony Foster (freshman)

What’s the scoop?

Offensive wizard Gus Malzahn has moved on to Auburn, but the Golden Hurricane offense still figures to be a fantasy juggernaut as the same attacking philosophy is in place.  The challenge is trying to figure out who will be featured in the offense.

At the running back position, the departure of Tarrion Adams leaves a huge hole - and a huge opportunity.  Adams racked up over 3,200 total yards and 26 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

The most intriguing candidate in 2009 is Charles Clay.  The 6’3, 225 pounder is officially tagged as a “fullback” in the Tulsa media guide, but in reality he lines up all over the field.  He was a huge part of the passing game in 2007, but in 2008 his numbers dipped as he was banged up for part of the season.

Jamad Williams figures to be Clay’s competition for carries.  The 5’9 sophomore rushed for 523 yards and 3 touchdowns last fall.

In the passing game, Tulsa likes to spray the ball to a host of wide receivers.  They also like to feed them the ball in a variety of running formations.  Here are last year’s wide receiver statistics:

At wide receiver, Tulsa’s only 1,000 from a year ago, Brennan Marion, is gone.  Damaris Johnson figures to be the most coveted fantasy threat of the returnees.  As a freshman, the 5’8 Louisiana native was a multi-dimensional threat in the Golden Hurricane offense, logging 41 rushes and 47 receptions.  We expect him to play a larger role this fall.

At 6’4 and 200 pounds, Slick Shelley fits the mold of a conventional big wide receiver.  The Tennessee transfer is a viable red zone weapon.

A.J. Whitmore is currently listed as a WR, but had nearly twice as many rushes as receptions in 2008.  He is effective in Tulsa’s version of the ever-popular “Wildcat” formation.

Trae Johnson followed up a great freshman campaign with a stinker in 2008.  He went from a statline of 70-1088-13 to 20-475-3.  Johnson is back in the mix, and quite frankly we aren’t sure what to expect.

Anthony Foster will be a true freshman this fall, but was a pretty highly touted recruit by Tulsa standards (ranked #73 WR by Rivals.com).  Keep him on your radar.

It’s hard to resist grabbing a Tulsa receiver high in your draft.  The word “upside” is always in the back of your mind.  Damaris Johnson has the potential to be a Top 10 fantasy wide receiver, but with Trae Johnson as evidence, he could become a victim of Tulsa spreading the ball around too much.  Slick Shelley has a lower ceiling, but is a consideration in the late rounds.  A.J. Whitmore is a complete wildcard, and Trae Johnson is an enigma.  If you don’t wind up with Damaris in the early part of your draft, take a flyer on one of the other T.U. receivers late and see if you strike it rich. 

  Tulsa wide receivers are streaky.  They are more valuable in total points leagues than in head-to-head formats.

At running back, Charles Clay is one of those players who could win you your league.  You should be able to get him in the middle rounds of your draft, and he has the potential to significantly outperform his draft position.  Clay’s value skyrockets in PPR leagues due to his great ability to catch the ball. Jamad Williams is someone to consider in the late rounds.