The Devy 100 Countdown: 91-100

Rob Willette Posted On April 25, 2014

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Editor’s Note: This article is a Dynasty Scouts exclusive. Remember, our new Dynasty Scouts section focuses on the stars of tomorrow, with a laser focus on High School recruits and College players who look to have the talent to be future assets in dynasty leagues and have value today in devy leagues.

One of the more intriguing aspects of devy leagues is the number of opinions they inspire. With over 100 Division I programs and regional broadcasting, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, and vice versa. Outside of the elite prospects known to all, it is really a matter of personal preference. In the Devy 100 series, we’ll look at the top 100 developmental prospects in college football. This is catered to those in deep leagues in which a lot of players are already owned – a majority of devy leagues only allow a few players to be rostered at a time. A few important notes:

I’ll give the nod to a true freshman I view to have a high ceiling versus an upperclassmen who may top out as a complementary player at the next level. I’d rather swing for the fences in these cases. I feel many talents who are safe bets to reach the NFL yet never make a huge splash are easily replaceable via rookie drafts and savvy transactions. This strategy certainly has its flaws; it does, however, account for the lower ranking of a few guys.
This list will surely omit several worthy talents. I don’t claim to have an omniscient grasp of the college football landscape. There are players I have never heard of who will emerge as top draft picks over the next few years.

With that, here are the first ten on the list, counting backwards from 100-91.

*The year following each player denotes the first year they will be draft eligible, or, for seniors, their final draft opportunity.

#100 – John O’Korn, QB Houston Cougars (2016)

O’Korn’s decision to eschew late offers from larger programs and stick with Houston proved to be wise during his true freshman campaign. The former standout at the heralded St. Thomas Aquinas was overshadowed by another true freshman – Christian Hackenberg – but flashed a similar skill-set that included a big arm and a pocket presence beyond his years. Quarterbacks are seldom highly valued developmental assets due to the nature of the position; however, O’Korn has shown enough to warrant a look thanks to outstanding production right out of the gate.

#99 –Travis Greene, RB Bowling Green Falcons (2015)

The conversion from wide receiver to running back did wonders for Travis Greene, as he piled up nearly 300 touches and over 1,700 all-purpose yards in his first year at the position. An undersized back who relies more on quicks than pure speed, you can argue Greene is more a product of the system and opportunity than a major NFL contributor. His production in his inaugural season at running back keeps him on the radar for now.

#98 –Kasen Williams, WR Washington Huskies (2015)

Williams often looks like a newborn fawn being introduced to the wild, with random body gesticulations and sloppy technique being hallmarks of his game. However, that is also part of his style, as Williams is a long, lean, physical receiver with a high compete level. Prior to his junior season – which became largely a wash due to serious injury – he was developing into a true number one receiver at the college level and a potential number two in the NFL. A strong senior season could vault him back into the Day 2 mix; a sluggish campaign in which he struggles to rebound from injury could result in him being a mere afterthought come 2015.

#97 –Kenny Lawler, WR California Golden Bears (2015)

It’s easy for much of the nation to lose track of West Coast prospects, given the time zones they’re restricted to. Lawler is one of a trio of Golden Bears whose hype does not match their talent. A rangy receiver with good ball skills, Lawler emerged late for an abysmal California team in 2013. The supreme size and catch radius along with the opportunity for him to develop along with true freshman Jared Goff are both enticing aspects in Lawler’s maturation.

#96 – Austin Hill, WR Arizona Wildcats (2015)

The momentum Hill had built during the 2012 season was demolished when he ripped up his ACL during Arizona’s spring game last year. Losing a year during your college career is a great way to fall off the radar. The good news is Hill will have nearly eighteen months between his injury and the 2014 opener – that should be ample time to shake off lingering physical effects. His mental toughness will be challenged off of injury, as Hill does his work in the slot and the dirty areas in the middle of the field. A refined route runner with strong hands whose numbers are admittedly inflated by Rich Rodriguez’ offense, this is obviously a crucial year for Hill.

#95 – MeKale McKay, WR Cincinnati Bearcats (2015)

A lanky receiver with a huge catch radius, McKay was productive as a freshman at Arkansas, notching 21 receptions prior to transferring to Cincinnati. Due to being released from his scholarship, McKay was able to play right away and made an impact by averaging an absurd 30.3 yards per reception on 16grabs. His big play theatrics and willingness to take a hit to make a play shined immediately and combine with his elite height to make him a prospect oozing with upside. While he will need to add weight and develop more aspects of his game, McKay has high level potential.

#94 – Barry Sanders Jr., RB Stanford Cardinal (2015)

Sanders entered college football with obvious hype, though his career has not really taken off at all to this point. With only 5 carries through two seasons, we have yet to see how much of an impact he can truly make. Stanford’s disciplined system requires its backs to contribute in many facets of the game, and the hope is that Sanders merely needed a few seasons to refine his pass blocking and add some bulk. He has some of the open field flare his father possessed; he now needs a big 2014 to rehab his stock.

#93 – Andre Patton, WR Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2016)

This is an admittedly aggressive ranking for a true sophomore who caught only three passes in 2013. However, the appeal of a 6’4, 200 pound receiver with wheels and body control is too much to ignore. Patton was a late bloomer in high school and should make major strides in his second year. He may challenge Leonte Carroo for top billing in the Rutgers passing game.

#92 – Ahmad Fulwood, WR Florida Gators (2016)

There’s a trend with many of the receivers on this list – they’re big, toolsy athletes with plenty of room to grow. Fulwood fits that mold also, despite being part of the dumpster fire that was Florida’s offense in 2013. A big player with fluid movement, Fulwood will be a catalyst to any offensive turnaround the Gators experience in 2014.

#91 – Dontre Wilson, RB Ohio State Buckeyes (2016)

Wilson’s usage in spring practice is encouraging, as it appears Urban Meyer and the coaching staff are making every effort to get him the ball in space. Unfortunately, a gadget player may be Wilson’s upside. He’s not going to move the pile between the tackles and he lacks the type of elite long speed that would make him a dynamic threat out of the backfield. His versatility and wiggle move him into the Top 100; he just may cap out as a college playmaker with limited pro potential.

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