Devy Conference Preview: The Independents

Rob Willette Posted On July 19, 2014

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Editor’s Note: This article is a Dynasty Scouts exclusive. Remember, our 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.

Notre Dame’s staunch commitment to remaining an independent football school has long rankled many in the college football community – particularly the powers that be in the Big Ten – but they’re the only reason a piece on the independent schools can be done. The Fighting Irish are flush with young talent; Brian Kelly has built depth at every position on offense and it shows on devy rosters. BYU also has enough talent to carve out their niche in this preview. Bless the young men suiting up for Army and Navy, but they’re not occupying a spot on your roster.

The Known Commodities

DeVaris Daniels, WR Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Reinstated following a brief academic suspension, DeVaris Daniels is now locked and loaded as one of the preeminent devy prospects on Notre Dame’s roster. A scorching start to the 2013 season had him emerging as a potential candidate to enter 2014’s draft; a string of injuries and a major dip in production led to a return to Notre Dame for his junior season. His game needs a lot of refinement, though there’s no denying he’s an NFL talent and will be the focal point of Notre Dame’s passing game.

Tarean Folston, RB Notre Dame Fighting Irish

A highly regarded athlete from Florida, Tarean Folston showed he was ready for primetime football as a true freshman, finishing third on the team in rushing and being the top dog when it came to talent as a pure runner. A late season push locked him in as an appealing long-term asset. A stable of talented runners will push him but the slashing back with dancer’s feet has established himself as a player in the Notre Dame offense.

Jamaal Williams, RB BYU Cougars

[inlinead]A decisive runner that possesses a hit the hole with panache mentality, Jamaal Williams has already established himself as one of the most prolific runners in school history and the best may be yet to come. A sinewy athlete out of high school, he’s packed on muscle in his lower half to make himself more equipped to handle a heavy workload. He’s one of the more under the radar backs in the developmental community.

Everett Golson, QB Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The return of Everett Golson should stabilize a Notre Dame offense that was streaky throughout the 2013 season. An undersized pocket passer with good mobility, he fits the college game as an improvisational artist that can make things happen when the play breaks down, yet lacks elite long-term upside. He’s a big college name, not a big devy asset.

Taysom Hill, QB BYU Cougars

Much like the aforementioned Golson, Taysom Hill is a gifted college quarterback that lacks NFL appeal. An elusive open field athlete, Hill’s much more runner than passer; his overall skill-set as a pocket passer leaves a lot to be desired. He will make some Heisman noise in 2014 yet a position switch may be in his future if he is going to catch on at the next level.

Ready To Emerge

Greg Bryant, RB Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Given the expectations, the freshman season for Greg Bryant was a major disappointment. A knee injury that never seemed to dissipate limited him to only three carries and the malady conspired with other factors to lead to a redshirt season. Though his stock has diminished, the talent has not. Bryant may be one of the nation’s most freakishly gifted athletes at the position and has incredible power to compliment an elite burst. Even with Folston in town, 2014 figures to be his breakout campaign.

Corey Robinson, WR Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The son of The Admiral, Corey Robinson has built a strong reputation despite limited production as a true freshman. A wide receiver in a tight end’s body, he’s not the mega recruit you expect to see at Notre Dame, yet few in the program match his long-term potential. He’s impossible to contain in jump ball situations and offers an element to the Irish’s offense that nobody else on the roster can. He’s not going to dominate in 2014 but he should continue to add tools to his overall kit and flash enticing upside.

Devon Blackmon, WR BYU Cougars

Former Oregon Duck Devon Blackmon immediately steps in as the Cougars’ most electric receiver. Although the BYU offense is more catered to the run game, they should be able to create touches for Blackmon and find different ways to utilize the speed merchant. He is one of many junior college transfers that should make waves in the devy community this season.

Ben Koyack, TE Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame has emerged as tight end university over the past decade, which may explain why Ben Koyack is receiving high praise from the draft community despite only 14 career receptions. His main obstacle has been talented players ahead of him on the depth chart; more established talents have always limited his playing time. A rugged, well-rounded tight end in the Irish mold, he’s ready to have his breakout party in 2014.

Torii Hunter Jr., WR Notre Dame Fighting Irish

As you may have surmised, Torii Hunter Jr. is another Notre Dame receiver with a famous father. He’s also another freshman that had his season washed away by injury. With plenty of time to recover, he has a realistic shot to settle in as the Irish’s number two receiver. He’s a bit more dynamic and refined that Corey Robinson and has more of an all-around game than speedster Corey Brown. His game portends college prowess.

Most Overrated Prospect

While DaVaris Daniels possesses loads of natural talent, I’ve never been overwhelmed by his overall game. The “my ball” mentality that is the hallmark of dominant receivers does not seem to be there and the holes in his game can be exposed by strong defenses. He will need to really accelerate his development to compete with the elite receivers in the 2015 class.

Most Underrated Prospect

Jamaal Williams is a guy I’ve been late to the party on, though his package of skills grows on me with each viewing. He has the misfortune of playing at a time when the college game is inundated with gifted runners. With another dominant season, he will challenge more heralded 2015 backs for supremacy in the second-tiers’ hierarchy.

Independent Top 10