Devy 100: Stash and See

Rob Willette

johnson

Editor’s Note: This is a Dynasty Scouts exclusive article. 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. Dynasty Scouts articles are found in our Premium Content.

Compiling even a modest list of devy talent can prove to be a fool’s errand. Ranking 100 is sheer lunacy. However, many members of Dynasty Scouts have never been known for their sound decision-making, and when devy is your game, failures are sure to pile up.

This grouping will undoubtedly look misguided in five years. However, that is the charm of the devy game. It is even more of an inexact science than traditional fantasy football. At the very least, it is fodder for anyone that cares to nerd out at the office water cooler.

Instead of a traditional ranking set, this is going to be broken down into tiers, with each tier representing players of similar value. This second set will focus on intriguing talents who merit a roster spot in deeper leagues. For more extensive rankings, check out DLF’s rankings page within the Dynasty Scouts section.

Devon Johnson, RB Marshall Thundering Herd

Your team’s next star running back could be its back-up tight end – that’s how it played out for the Thundering Herd, with Devon Johnson going from a lightly used receiving threat to offensive centerpiece following the position switch. As you’d expect from a former tight end, Johnson is a big man at 6’1”, 243 pounds, and he runs with the authority that you’d hope to see from a bruising tailback. He’s still inexperienced at the position, with little things such as switching hands in the middle of his runs still not on the agenda, but given his physical tools – which includes surprising long speed – and elite production, he has the opportunity to emerge as one of 2016’s better backs.

[am4show have=’g1;’ guest_error=’sub_message’ user_error=’sub_message’ ]

Isaiah Ford, WR Virginia Tech Hokies

The Hokies quietly possess two of the ACC’s better receiving weapons, with Isaiah Ford establishing himself as Virginia Tech’s best receiver early in the 2014 season. A sinewy 6’1”, Ford is neither statuesque nor supremely athletic, yet he plays bigger than his size and shows a knack for making incredibly tough catches in traffic. After dropping earlier plans to be a dual-sport athlete in Blacksburg, Ford can now focus on the evolution of his game as a receiver.

Demario Richard, RB Arizona State Sun Devils

A true darling of the ageist crowd, Demario Richard carved out his niche in the Sun Devils’ backfield despite not turning 18 until December. A thickly built and tenacious runner, Richard is a better between-the-tackles option than backfield counterpart D.J. Foster and should start earning serious work in 2015.

Christian Hackenberg, QB Penn State Nittany Lions

One year ago at this time, Christian Hackenberg was coming off a very productive freshman year, looking poised to become the nation’s next elite quarterback and a favorite to go first overall in 2016. One coaching change and season later, and Hackenberg’s devy stock is clinging to life. The Penn State offense as a whole was a mess for much of 2014, yet he appeared to regress in many areas. 2015 is the year in which Hackenberg will need to prove he is more than just a prospect that looks the part.

Will Fuller, WR Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Fuller lacks the professional lineage that seems to be the hallmark of every other Irish receiver, but he’s become Notre Dame’s most steady receiving threat, totaling a 76/1,094/15 line in his sophomore season. Despite the gaudy totals, Fuller looks more like a productive college receiver than a notable NFL prospect, as he lacks a physically mature frame and elite athleticism. He is, however, a savvy route runner with a heady game, and could collect a paycheck as a possession receiver at the next level.

Kenyan Drake, RB Alabama Crimson Tide

Drake appeared awfully comfortable in Lane Kiffin’s offense until a gruesome leg injury against Ole Miss truncated his junior season. An atypically built back with elite burst and receiving chops, Drake is not a 250-300 carry back in the NFL but can contribute in a variety of ways as an offensive weapon. If you can get him on the cheap off his injury and as a forgotten about senior prospect, it is a good time to buy.

Christian Kirk, WR Texas A&M Aggies

For the second straight year, the Aggies are welcoming an undersized, electric five star recruit, with 2015’s model being Christian Kirk. Whereas Speedy Noil may have had the edge making plays in traffic, Kirk excels as arguably this cycle’s most dynamic talent in space. Ready to contribute from day one, Kirk will likely be one of the top freshmen off the board in deeper devy leagues.

Darren Carrington, WR Oregon Ducks

The Oregon Ducks have built a juggernaut of a program without difference-making wideouts, yet with both Darren Carrington and Devon Allen emerging, that could change. Whereas Allen is the speedster, Carrington is more the big, possession type with strong hands and a large catch radius. It is hard to get a real read on him given the Ducks’ offense, and he could simply top out as a productive college receiver, but Carrington’s late season surge has put him on the map.

D.J. Foster, RB Arizona State Sun Devils

Foster is one of the more unique prospects in all of college football. He’s not just a pass catcher; he runs receiver routes. Despite a lot of collegiate success on the ground, Foster is slight in his lower half and has limited power. In the NFL, his best may fit may be as a slot receiver, with a Shane Vereen type of career on deck if he sticks at running back.

Preston Williams, WR Tennessee Volunteers

Incoming freshman Preston Williams is a serial high pointer, arguably the best jump ball receiver in this cycle. That alone makes him an appealing target if you’re willing to take a gamble on a freshman, and he’s also got enough size and speed to become an elite collegiate receiver.

Larry Scott, RB Michigan State Spartans

Scott is not the type of recruit that is going to get people too excited. He’s a no-nonsense runner that is far more north and south than east and west. That style belies underrated athleticism, and few schools have a better player development program than Michigan State. He’s got a chance to be extremely productive from day one.

Ermon Lane, WR Florida State Seminoles

We saw glimpses of the tantalizing potential Ermon Lane holds in 2014. Ultimately, he was not needed to be an essential part of the gameplan with Rashad Greene carrying the passing offense. However, in 2015 we should see much more of Lane, a smooth moving big receiver with the natural ability to make contested catches. This may be the last opportunity to get him cheap.

Byron Marshall, WR Oregon Ducks

Marshall is a rare commodity. After surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in 2013, he responded to his move to receiver by posting over 1,000 yards receiving in 2014. Marshall makes most of his plays close to the line of scrimmage, and while he has a role in the NFL, it is unclear what it is; it is almost certain to be a low volume role.

Kareem Hunt, RB Toledo Rockets

Quietly one of the nation’s top power backs, Kareem Hunt is an aggressive runner with some sneaky lateral agility. His overall profile does not scream every-down back, though he could carve out a role at the next level, and any back with even a sliver of upside is at a premium.

Kirk Merritt, WR Oregon Ducks

Merritt easily qualifies as one of the more interesting recruits in this cycle. A versatile weapon, he’s listed as anything from running back to Athlete. He has dynamic skills that lend itself to college success; his long-term upside may depend on what role he takes on in Eugene.

[/am4show]

rob willette