Middle Tennessee State

What You Need To Know

The big news this spring was the arrival of new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin.  Franklin is no stranger to the Sun Belt.  He once guided Troy’s offense to success.  After a failed stint at Auburn, he is back in his comfort zone in the Sun Belt.  QB Dwight Dasher could be the biggest benefactor of Franklin’s arrival.

Also of note:  RB Desmond Gee was practicing at WR this fall.  Tony Franklin could line up Gee in multiple positions this fall, in a Dexter McCluster / Percy Harvin / Derrick Williams kind of way.

Best Fantasy Prospect(s)

RB Phillip Tanner is an intriguing fantasy prospect.  He finished last season on a strong note, tallying up 330 rushing yards and 8 TDs in his final three games.  This year, he is the unquestioned No. 1 RB in Tony Franklin’s new offense.  He will be asked to catch the ball out of the backfield more in his new role (13 catches for 135 yards and a score in 2008).  Last year, Tanner totaled 850 yards from scrimmage and 16 scores.  He has a chance to vastly improve those yardage numbers in 2009. 

Sleeper Prospect

We really like Dwight Dasher as a deep sleeper.  He made a big splash as a freshman in part-time duty, rushing for over 500 yards, passing for 1,150 and totaling 12 TDs.  He rode the bench in 2008 as Joe Craddock’s under-study.  Now Craddock is gone and Dasher was named starter this spring.  If you like running quarterbacks, keep your eye on Dasher this fall.

Biggest Question Heading into August

How much of an impact will offensive coordinator have on Tanner, Dasher and the offense?  We think it could be profound.

Spring Game Hero

Dasher had a nice outing, going 17-of-23 for 144 yards.  He also scored on a 21-yard TD jaunt.

Injury Report

Tanner missed some time this spring while nursing a sore hamstring.

Spring Recaps - Team Index