Tulsa

What You Need To Know

Another year, another quarterback controversy for the Golden Hurricane.  Last year’s starter, David Johnson, was lost to graduation.  Jacob Bower entered the spring as the likely starter, but G.J. Kinne and Shavodrick Beaver showed enough promise during the practice sessions to warrant a closer look in August.  RB star Tarrion Adams also graduated, leaving the running game in the capable hands of the versatile Charles Clay.

Best Fantasy Prospect(s)

With Brennan Marion gone, WR Damaris Johnson is poised to become the No. 1 threat in the passing game.  Last year, DJ caught 47 balls for 608 yards and 9 scores to go along with another 41 rushes for 327 yards and one TD.  The sky is the limit for Mr. Johnson.

In fantasy leagues, Charles Clay will be listed as a “RB”, but he is much more than that.  Last season, Clay was lost in the shuffle while he battled injuries.  However, in 2007 he caught 69 balls for 1,024 yards and 7 touchdowns and rushed for another 304 and one TD.  If you are in a PPR league, Clay becomes an elite RB prospect.  Unless…. Jamad Williams sneaks up on everybody and plays a bigger role than the coaching staff is leading on.  Williams was second on the team in rushing the last two years (2008:  86-532-3, 6.1 YPC).  He had over 100 yards in the spring game.

Sleeper Prospect

Shavodrick Beaver is going to be a fantasy monster before he leaves campus.  The true freshman arrived on campus in January and displayed dazzling running ability that had the coaching staff drooling.  He originally committed to Michigan before a change of heart.  He was breath-taking at times this spring and could emerge as the starter before the 2009 season is over At the very least, Beaver is top flight keeper prospect for 2010 and beyond.

Biggest Question Heading into August

Who’s the quarterback going to be?  Bower did not do enough this spring to win the job, leaving the door open for Texas-transfer G.J. Kinne and stud freshman Shavodrick Beaver.  This figures to be a nightmare scenario for fantasy owners on draft day, as this battle likely won’t be settled until the season Tulsa opener.

Another question for fantasy fans is who is the No. 2 WR on the Tulsa roster?  Slick Shelley seems to have the edge over Trae Johnson, but figuring out the complimentary roles for the Golden Hurricane has been difficult to read in past years.

Spring Game Hero

Kinne threw for a scrimmage- high 219 yards (15- of-35 passing). He had two touchdown passes and a pair of interceptions. Bower (11- of-20) had 77 passing yards with a touchdown and an interception. Beaver was 7-of- 16 for 132 yards passing, and added 78 rushing yards, including a dazzling 66-yard TD run.

Damaris Johnson caught TD strikes of 70 and 35 yards from Kinne.

RB Jamad Williams led the team with 107 rushing yards.

Injury Report

Nothing major to report.

Spring Recaps - Team Index