Central Division Fantasy Preview
By Scott Lange
The Central Conference of the AFL is loaded with talent. In this article I will give you a preview of the AFL's Central Conference for the upcoming 2008 season, fantasy style!
Chicago Rush
Talk about reloading? The Rush lost all-world receiver Bobby Sippio and QB Matt D'Orazio and replaced them with Stud receivers Damien Harrell, Travis LaTendresse, QB Sherdrick Bonner, and RB Dan Alexander. The Rush offense should have no problems putting up points with this group. The only possible issue I see is developing some chemistry between the players. Bonner is a 14-year veteran and could have his most productive year of his career with the talent around him this year.  Bonner could be a top 10 QB if he stays healthy. Then there's the best WR in the AFL, Damien Harrell. Harrell has had four straight 100+ catch, 1400+ yards, and 40+ TD seasons and has shown no signs up slowing down.
He will be the number one pick in all drafts this year and deservedly so. The Rush then grabbed Travis LaTendresse who played with the Las Vegas Gladiators last year. The stats you see for LaTendresse last year were only for a five game period, which should show you his potential. He should fit in nicely with the Rush offense.
Then there's the Chicago running game that defenses must worry about. Dan Alexander set an AFL record last year with a ridiculous 41 TDs on the ground. I don't see Dan matching that total, but he is by far the best RB in the AFL and will cost you an early draft day pick to get him on your team.
Then there is the Rush defense led by DBs Jeremy Unertl and Dennison Robinson. Robinson should be a top 10 DB by the end of the year and Unertl is only getting better. The Rush will finish 14-2 and have a chance to meet the Desperados in the Arena Bowl.
Sleeper: Travis LaTendresse, WR
Bust: Ryan Dennard, WR
Kansas City Brigade
The Brigade sure did look awfully good in 2007, jumping from a 3-13 inaugural year to 10-6 and into the playoffs. However, they let QB Raymond Philyaw go (to Cleveland) and now they have John Fitzgerald as their QB. Fitzgerald was not in the AFL last year, but does have a talented WR core to work with for the 2008 season. It all starts with second year Phenom Charles Frederick.  Frederick did it all last year. He scored through the air 27 times and on the ground for 14 more. He led the team in receptions, receiving, receiving TDs, rushing yards, and rushing TDs. In other words, he was an absolute BEAST last year. Along side Frederick will be WR Mike Horacek who was acquired via free agency. Horacek played the last three years with the Dragons and was a lock for 100+ catches and 30+ TDs. I have my doubts if he will be able to match that with Fitzgerald as the QB and Frederick so heavily involved in the offense. He should catch around 25 TDs though. The Brigade also have Boo Williams, who should fit in nicely as the third WR in this offense. The Brigade sport two of the better RBs in the league in Dawan Moss and Chris Avery. If the Brigade can move the ball, they could be involved at the goal line.
Defensively, the Brigade has Jerald Brown, who played with the Destroyers last year and collected five interceptions. The Brigade also brought in DB Will Holder from New York. He also had five picks last year, returning two of them for TDs. For a third year team, they look very good on paper and should be able to make the playoffs yet again. They have some talent that will give their opponents all they can handle. I see the Brigade finishing 10-6 and in the playoff hunt at the end of the year.
Sleeper: John Fitzgerald, QB
Bust: Mike Horacek, WR
Colorado Crush
The Crush will have to try and get used to life without the league's best WR, Damian Harrell. Harrell left via free agency and is now in the Windy City. The Crush landed a rising star in Ben Nelson who comes over from the Arena Bowl champion San Jose Sabercats. Nelson has not been able to complete an entire AFL season, but if he can do it this year, look out. He's got the potential to catch 40+ TDs.  QB John Dutton has the ability to lock onto a player, as we have all seen in the past with Harrell. Dutton also has WR Brad Pyatt, who very quietly had a solid season last year playing behind Harrell. Dutton is more familiar with Pyatt than Nelson so don't be surprised to see Pyatt have some big games. He would be someone you want to target in the late portions of your draft.
WR Willie Quinnie should also be more involved in the offense now that Harrell is gone. But Nelson by far is their best option, and you count on Dutton looking for him early and often. The Crush does not run the ball that much so choosing a Crush RB would not be a wise move come draft day.
Defensively, the Crush has the best in the business in DB Rashad Floyd. Floyd usually sits atop the league in tackles at the end of the year, and I don't expect that to change this year. He simply is the best defensive player in the AFL. It will cost you a high draft pick if you want him on your roster, so be prepared. The Crush also has DB Chris Angel who also had a good season for the defense last year. Angel contributed defensively to the tune of 78 tackles and seven interceptions. Angel can be drafted as a DB2 when drafted on draft day. I see the Crush finishing 9-7, and being in the playoff hunt at the end of the year.
Sleeper: Brad Pyatt, WR
Bust: Any Crush RB
Grand Rapids Rampage
The Rampage will enter the 2008 season with a lot of unanswered questions. Who will be the opening day QB? Who is going to be the go-to receiver on offense? And just how bad will the defense be this year?
The first thing the Rampage need to do is decide who the QB will be for the 2008 season. The Rampage has QBs Adrian McPherson and James MacPherson to decide between. Adrian has more experience in the AFL, but he can not seem to put together a full season. James though could be the long term answer at QB, as I don't see Adrian putting together a 16 game season for the Rampage. James is a bit unproven, but if given an opportunity, he could keep the starting gig and not look back.  Whoever gets the starting job will have WRs Kenny Higgins, Anthony Hines, and Jermaine Lewis as their weapons. Higgins is a WR I feel that could be undervalued this year. As a rookie he posted some solid numbers with 95 catches, 1400+ yards, and 25 TDs. He's by far their best option on offense. Alongside Higgins is WR Anthony Hines, who is a risky pick due to his durability. Hines has been unable to stay healthy the past couple of years, but if he can find a way to fight the injury bug this year, it will only help the Rampage offense. Jermaine Lewis is a decent WR, but can't seem to stay healthy or productive.
The defense is going to be anchored by WR/DB Ahmad Hawkins, and DS Chuck Wesley. Hawkins is a great two-way player, and led the AFL last year in interceptions with 13. He should have another fine season and if he's listed as a DB in your league he can be used as a DB1. Chuck Wesley had a career year last year with 76 tackles and three interceptions. However, I don't see him matching those totals, so fantasy owners may want to avoid him. Things are going to get ugly in Grand Rapids this year and they will be lucky to finish 3-13 within this division. Receiver Kenny Higgins and WR/DB Ahmad Hawkins are the only two players I would target on draft day off of this roster.
Sleeper: Kenny Higgins, WR
Bust: Adrian McPherson, QB
Scott Lange is a founding member of Arena Football Online and has been following Arena Football since 2000. Contact Scott at slange@arenafootballonline.com
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