The Arena Guru's Fantasy Impact
By Scott Lange
Focus on Marcus Nash (Dallas Desperados)
There were a lot of key acquisitions going around the AFL off-season, but arguably the award for biggest acquisition goes to Dallas. The Desperados signed OS Marcus Nash, who spent the last three years with the Las Vegas Gladiators. Last year while playing with average QBs in Craig Whelihan and Jason Fife, Nash posted 122 receptions, 1281 yards and 28 TDs, missing a couple of games due to injuries. Although at first glance these numbers seem fine, this was by far Nash's most unproductive season of his young AFL career. Nash played very well considering that he was the one and only option for the Gladiators. Nash was double- and triple-covered night in and night out, but somehow still managed to produce solid numbers.
Nash now enters 2007 on a team with a deadly offense and will get to reacquaint himself with Dallas QB Clint Dolezel. Dolezel and Nash formed a fearsome combination in 2004 and 2005 when they were together in Las Vegas, putting up totals together that were just plain sick. In 2004, Nash was the best Offensive Specialist in the AFL. He was named the AFL's MVP when he posted an insane 154 receptions, 1771 yards, and 46 TDs. A year later, Dolezel and Nash were back causing havoc again as Nash posted 129 receptions, 1787 yards, and 41 TDs. Nash posted these numbers despite the same double- and triple-teams he faced last year in Vegas.
The easy conclusion is that Marcus Nash is going to be a freak of nature in this offense. Nash's size of 6'4" and 210lbs makes him a viable option on every play from scrimmage. Dolezel should have no problems finding him this year. It's safe to assume that everyone saw how playing with Dolezel made OS Terrill Shaw look last year? Shaw posted 111 receptions, for 1498 yards and 37 TDs. Nash should have no problems exceeding those totals. The Desperado's have too many weapons on offense for opponents to spend too much attention on only Nash. Will Pettis and Dialleo Burks will take enough pressure off of Nash for him to get free and have his way with defenders this year. He has an outside shot in my opinion to the top Offensive Specialist in the AFL. Anything less than 130+ receptions, 1500 yards, and 40 TDs would be a shock to me. He is just that good.
Nash should be considered a Top 5 pick, but I've seen some drafts where Nash has fallen past that spot. I know Nash is in a new offensive system, and yes he is on a new team, but Clint Dolezel and Nash together click like a million joy buzzers on New Years Eve. Enough said. If he falls past pick 5 in your draft, consider your self lucky and grab him immediately. With his potential and Dolezel's arm, Nash could end the year as the top producer fantasy wise in the AFL for 2007.
Scott Lange is a founding member of Arena Football Online and has been following Arena Football for 6 years. Contact Scott at slange@arenafootballonline.com
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