It's finally August, so that can mean only one thing. It's football time baby! I for one, am very ecstatic that the new season is here. This is the preseason Dark Phoenix, where we examine a few of the lesser known players, so that you can know everything about these deep sleepers. When the college football season starts the Dark Phoenix will cover college sleepers, but for now it's all NFL preseason all the time! Today we look at a WR trying to make a team after working in Subway last year. We also examine a QB that has played behind some great QBs, a RB that was a monster in college, and finally, a player that could be the handcuff to the most hyped player in all of fantasy football.

David Kircus - WR5 - Denver Broncos
6'2" 190 lbs. - Grand Valley State - 6th round draft pick (Lions - 2003 - 175th overall)

David Kircus has been called "Circus Kircus" for some time now. He set many records in college at Division II Grand Valley State, including breaking Jerry Rice's record for receiving TDs in a career for all divisions. During his senior season he caught 77 passes, and 35 of them were for TDs His 482 points scored during his college career ranks 6th in NCAA history. His 212 points in a single season in 2002 ranks 2nd behind Barry Sanders 234 in 1988. He also had 4 TDs in 2 post season games his senior year, including a very good Senior Bowl appearance.

Kircus has an outstanding skill set for a WR. He has a 40" vertical leap, that helps him sky above defenders. He runs the 40 yard dash in about 4.37 seconds, and has very soft hands. He knows how to find the soft spot in a defense, and opens his body correctly, providing a great target for his QB. He has a knack for making the big catch. He has good concentration, and has natural hands. His route running needs work.

David Kircus is trying to make a name for himself with the Broncos. He worked at Subway last year, and that blue collar attitude is showing in Denver. He is working really hard every day, and has been the most consistent WR in all of Broncos training camp. If Kircus stays healthy he could definitely be a sleeper Broncos WR.

Matt Cassell - QB2 - New England Patriots
6'4" 225 lbs. - USC - 7th round draft pick (Patriots 2005 - 230th overall)

Cassell has always played backup to some great QBs In college at USC he was first behind Carson Palmer, and then behind Matt Leinart. He not only played QB, but he also switched to TE and WR for a small spell during his days at USC. His lack of playing time didn't stop the Patriots from selecting him in the 7th round of the 2005 NFL Draft.

He has good velocity on his passes. I like the way he can throw on the run, making him very deadly on a rollout or bootleg. He is very athletic, and can pick up some yards with his feet. He has very good pocket presence. He will stand in there and take the big hit, yet deliver the ball accurately down the field. His long passes tend to sail a bit sometimes.

Cassell is the #2 QB behind Tom Brady. And while Brady is one of the most consistent QBs in the league, injuries do happen, and Belichick feel comfortable handing over the reigns to Cassell. He has had very little playing time so far, but every time he comes into the game, he looks really good. He is a great handcuff for Brady, or if you're in a dynasty league, he makes a great young prospect. Like a Matt Schaub, Cassell may have to go elsewhere to see some more playing time. He is definitely a player that you should have on your fantasy radar.

Patrick Cobbs - RB4 - New England Patriots
5'9" 210 lbs. - North Texas - Undrafted Free Agent (Patriots 2006)

Patrick Cobbs was a monster in college at North Texas. He teamed with Jamario Thomas to form the first ever backfield with 2 national rushing champions. The last 2 seasons he didn't live up to the expectations after leading the nation in rushing in 2003.

Cobbs is a tough, hard nosed runner with great hands. He can convert short yardage opportunities despite his size. He is most effective challenging the edges of a defense. He has good speed, and is pretty creative in the open field. He is a good kick returner and a very versatile player that has a lot of heart.

Patrick Cobbs is battling his way into more playing time with the Patriots. He has a LONG way to go, but helped himself tremendously with the performance he had this past week. Cobbs is a guy that could catch on with New England as a practice squad player. And if (when?) Kevin Faulk gets hurt, Cobbs could fill in as a 3rd down back with aspirations for a greater role. Laurence Maroney is penciled in as the "back of the future" in New England, but Cobbs could turn into a nice backup.

Dee Brown - RB2 - Kansas City Chiefs
5'10" 210 lbs. - Syracuse - 6th round draft pick (Panthers 2001 - 175th overall)

Dee Brown was backfield mates at Syracuse with Donovan McNabb and Kyle Johnson. He originally was recruited to Syracuse as a QB, but switched to RB during his freshmen season. He ended ranked #2 in rushing TDs in Syracuse history when all was said and done.

Brown is a hard nosed runner that likes to initiate contact. He is very good running between the tackles and is difficult to bring down once he gets a head of steam. He is very adept at running through arm tackles, and can run effectively through trash at the line of scrimmage. He doesn't have long speed, but will take what the defense gives him and deal out some punishment.

With Michael Bennett still ailing from an injury (he hasn't even practiced with KC yet), Dee Brown is now listed as the #2 RB in KC. This is big news from a handcuff standpoint, as Larry Johnson is most likely going to be among the top 2 picks in every fantasy league. Brown has flashed some potential in limited duty. He has bounced around from Carolina, to Pittsburgh, to Cleveland, and now in his 2nd year with KC. Behind the KC line (yes even without Willie Roaf), he could be a player to watch. Currently if you're drafting Larry Johnson, you would have to handcuff Brown later in the draft.