A key part of winning the Campus side of your Campus2Canton league is finding late-round producers. For example, in 2021, these players included Western Kentucky duo Bailey Zappe and Jerreth Sterns, Utah State receiver Deven Thompkins and freshman phenom Rasheen Ali. Mostly unknown names to C2C players, it’s worth taking a stab and trying to find who can do this in 2022.
1. Mareyohn Hrabowski, QB, Western Michigan University
A name likely familiar only to Western Michigan fans, Hrabowski is a dual-threat quarterback with elite rushing ability and size at 6’2” 230lbs. With the departure of Kaleb Eleby to the NFL, the Broncos will need to replace his production. In steps Hrabowski, a former three-star recruit who ran for over 1,000 yards as a senior, on the way to being named to the All-State team and leading his high school to a state championship in Michigan.
The excitement around Hrabowski is his rushing potential and how that can pay off for fantasy. In limited appearances last season, he totaled 21 rushing attempts for 121 yards, including a season-high 10 for 77 against Northern Illinois in the MAC championship. He also appeared against Nevada in the Quick Lane Bowl, posting five rushes for 28 yards. An outstanding athlete, Western Michigan can look to him for explosive plays, and ultimately if he can deliver the bare minimum passing-wise, he has the potential to be one of the best fantasy picks this offseason. The competition likely comes down to him and redshirt sophomore Jack Salopek, who was the first up when Eleby was injured during the season. Even as a true freshman, the willingness to get Hrabowksi in, even for package plays, points to upside hard to find in the last round of drafts.
2. Jsi Hatfield, WR, East Carolina University
Despite being East Carolina’s fifth-leading receiver in 2021, Hatfield could take a meaningful step forward to be a potential fantasy producer in 2022. The departure of long-time Pirate’s receiver Tyler Snead to the NFL, Audie Omotosho to graduation, and the question marks around currently suspended C.J. Johnson create the perfect storm for Hatfield this season. Those three made up 60% of receiving production under quarterback Holton Ahlers, who returns after throwing for 3,126 yards this past season marking his second over 3,100 yards in his career.
As Hatfield slides into a slot role, he and Ryan Jones should operate as leading targets for the Pirates. Hatfield played primarily outside last season but with Tyler Snead departing, expect Hatfield to be used from the slot and be fed targets. At 5’9” 165lbs., Hatfield was largely miscast outside but now has the perfect opportunity. Outside of a potential return in Johnson, ECU added Georgia transfer Jaylan Johnson who has five career catches in four years. Additionally, despite the concerns about a rush-heavy approach and the return of RB Keaton Mitchell in the rushing game, the narrowed target distribution and new role make Hatfield a target in C2C leagues.
3. Quian Williams, WR, Buffalo
Quian Williams started the 2021 season on fire but faded late as he became bracketed on most plays. He had 6.3 receptions and 91.8 yards per game through six weeks last year. Williams, a transfer from Eastern Michigan last season, will see fellow wide receiver Jovanny Ruiz return after being injured, which should allow him to not be the defenses’ only concern. The most intriguing part of William’s early-season success is that it came largely from out-of-conference games, including Nebraska, where he posted eight grabs for 93 yards.
The admitted concern around Williams and the entire offense is the lack of a solid quarterback option. It doesn’t bother me at this point in the offseason as they represent a prime transfer destination for a quarterback who loses a spring camp battle. Matt Myers is slated to start the season and had over 100 passing attempts last season, so there is experience in the room. However, Kyle Vantrease did transfer out and was more productive. If Williams can repeat even close to what he was doing at the beginning of the season, he’s going to pay off at his non-exist ADP.
