This week’s waiver wire is heavy with Group 5 players, but expect that to change with the ACC, Big XI, and SEC in action in Week 4.
QUARTERBACKS
Cornelious Brown IV, Georgia State
In the opener against Louisiana, Brown completed 22-of-39 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown, while adding 64 yards and a score on the ground. In 2020, the Georgia State offense returns running back Destin Coates, its top two receivers in Sam Pinckney and Cornelius McCoy, and five starters up front, so the pieces are in place for the redshirt freshman to have a breakout year.
Austin Aune, North Texas
Two weeks ago, we mentioned that Jason Bean looked good enough against Houston Baptist to get the start for the Mean Green in Week 3 against SMU. Well, that happened, but head coach Seth Litrell did not wait long to give Austin Aune an extended look against SMU. In the 65-35 loss to the Mustangs, Aune completed 13-of-25 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 22 yards and a score on the ground. If you already made the move for Bean, it might be wise to make the switch to Aune.
RUNNING BACKS
Deneric Prince, Tulsa
Early Saturday, we learned that Tulsa’s starting running back Shamari Brooks was likely lost for the season due to a knee injury. Against Oklahoma State, sophomore Deneric Prince led the Golden Hurricane in rushing, carrying the ball 13 times for 82 yards. Brooks’ injury provides a tremendous opportunity for someone in the Tulsa backfield, and the 6-foot-1, 214-pound transfer from Texas A&M may just be the guy to fill the void.
RECEIVERS
Jarrin Pierce, Middle Tennessee
There hasn’t been much to like about the Middle Tennessee offense after two games, but it seems obvious that senior receiver Jarrin Pierce is the Blue Raiders’ top receiving threat. Against Troy, Pirerce was targeted fifteen times and caught eleven passes for 81 yards.
Joshua Cephus, UTSA
Quarterback Frank Harris and running back Sincere McCormick will likely generate the most fantasy production among UTSA players in 2020, but receiver Joshua Cephus is on our radar. The 6-foot-3 and 185-pound sophomore has caught at least six passes and a touchdown in each of the Roadrunners’ first two games.
Jaylon Robinson, Central Florida
We’re expecting to get an injury update on receiver Tre Nixon later in the week. Nixon left Saturday’s season opener at Georgia Tech with an injury after catching four passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns. Losing Nixon would be a big blow to the UCF offense, but his absence would create an opportunity for sophomore Jaylon Robinson, who caught six passes for 105 yards in the Knights’ 49-21 win at Georgia Tech.
Zay Flowers, Boston College
There is a chance that teammate, and projected WR1, Kobay White could be out for an extended period of time. And while the arrival of Ohio State receiver Jaelen Gill in the offseason created a lot of buzz, it was Zay Flowers who flashed his big-play potential in the Eagles’ opener against Duke. In the 26-6 win, Flowers was targeted eight times and caught five passes for 162 yards and a touchdown.
Jacob Cowing, UTEP
The Miners are one of two FBS schools to play three games so far, and in two of those three games, receiver Jacob Cowing has gone over the 100-yard mark. In Week 2, Cowan only caught four passes for 49 yards against Texas, but was still targeted a team-high eight times. On the season, the 5-foot-11 and 170-pound receiver has been targeted 28 times and has caught 19 passes for 275 yards. Due to UTEP’s inability to frequent the end zone, Cowing is more of a waiver target for fantasy owners in deep Full FBS-PPR leagues.