Devy Program Power Rankings: 10-6

Rob Willette Posted On February 1, 2016

perine Inspired by Ryan McDowell’s annual Twitter NFL franchise fantasy power rankings, below is a devy program power ranking which weighs the top-end talent and depth of those programs blessed at the skill positions. It is important to note this does not look at the overall strength of a college football program. Alabama does not credit for its dominant front seven, nor does Stanford get props for its mauling offensive line. This just looks at the sheer firepower each program has when it puts the football in its playmakers’ hands.

10 – Ohio State Buckeyes

Best Prospect: WR Austin Mack

Most Unheralded: WR Noah Brown

Other Notable Prospects: QB JT Barrett; RB Curtis Samuel; RB Mike Weber; RB Antonio Williams; RB Demario McCall; WR Torrance Gibson; WR KJ Hill; QB Dwayne Haskins; WR Binjimen Victor

The Ohio State Buckeyes shimmy on to this list thanks to a strong close to the recruiting cycle. Flipping Dwayne Haskins from Maryland and securing Binjimen Victor give Urban Meyer’s crew a ton of intriguing talent, even if they failed to land/find room for Sam Bruce. They’re hurt since they lack clear top-tier talent following the departures of Ezekiel Elliott and Michael Thomas. Their top talent as listed here – Austin Mack – requires a leap of faith since he has yet to play a down of college football. He epitomizes this entire list for Ohio State, which is oozing upside yet short on established talent.

9 – Baylor Bears

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Best Prospect: WR KD Cannon

Most Unheralded: WR Ishmael Zamora

Other Notable Prospects: QB Jarrett Stidham; RB Johnny Jefferson; RB Shock Linwood; QB Seth Russell; WR Devin Duvernay; WR Blake Lynch; WR Tren’Davion Dickson; WR Chris Platt

Baylor lacks a standout prospect. KD Cannon has thrived as a vertical threat beating defenders with his speed his first two years on campus. We’ve yet to see him add any flavor to his game, though this may largely be due to scheme. One of the more intriguing devy storylines this fall will be if Cannon stays in his current role or moves outside to replace the Corey Coleman. The latter will be key in evaluating him a bit further. Baylor quarterbacks get buried for the system, and rightfully so, but Jarrett Stidham is the most talented individual they have had in the Art Briles era. He demonstrates smooth mechanics along with an ability to evade pressure and throw on the run, which are two things I look for in this pass-happy age. Even though he may not start over Seth Russell, I prefer him long-term. Ishmael Zamora has been waiting to breakout. 2016 is his golden opportunity as he should start as the team’s second receiver. Johnny Jefferson has more tools than Shock Linwood. Unfortunately, we may only see him as an apprentice once again.

8 – Georgia Bulldogs

Best Prospect: RB Nick Chubb

Most Unheralded: TE Isaac Nauta

Other Notable Prospects: RB Sony Michel; WR Terry Godwin; RB Elijay Holyfield; QB Jacob Eason; WR Mecole Hardman

The Bulldogs ranking is predicated solely on the health of Nick Chubb. With him out of the equation, they’re nowhere near the top ten. For now, I am treating Chubb as though he’s on the comeback trail and ready to recapture his crown of top devy running back. Freshman quarterback Jacob Eason is already enrolled, and he checks every box in what you’re looking for from your traditional quarterback. His upside as a pure pocket passer may be unmatched in college football, Josh Rosen included. However, quarterbacks are always a tricky evaluation. Sony Michel has a lot of skills and filled in admirably for Chubb in 2015, though I am not bullish on him as I see a niche runner who lacks power or a standout, dynamic trait. I prefer incoming freshman runner Elijah Holyfield, a no-nonsense north-south runner with translatable skills. Georgia looks like a likely landing spot for stud athlete Mecole Hardman, though it is tough to lock him in as a Bulldog and his position in college is up for debate. If he sticks at receiver, he really boosts this unit as he is an electric weapon.

7 – Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Best Prospect: WR Demetris Robertson

Most Unheralded: QB De’Shone Kizer

Other Notable Prospects: WR Corey Robinson; RB Josh Adams; RB Tarean Folston; WR Equanimeous St. Brown; QB Malik Zaire; TE Alize Jones; WR Miles Boykin; RB Dexter Williams; RB Tony Jones; WR Javon McKinley

This ranking hinges on the 247 Crystal Ball pushing Demetris Robertson to Notre Dame coming to fruition. I am bullish on Robertson despite less than ideal size thanks to his electric feet and insatiable desire to make plays on the football. Sans Robertson, this is still an intriguing group. De’Shone Kizer filled in admirably for an injured Malik Zaire and may be the third best prospect at the position in all of college football. He throws a beautiful deep ball and evades pressure without being a run-first type. He just needs experience. Miles Boykin is a mammoth receiver with smooth movements. Of course, he’s yet to catch a collegiate pass and is all potential. The Irish have a pair of talented backs in Josh Adams and Tarean Folston. Unfortunately, neither move the needle for me as pro prospects. Notre Dame is as deep as any team yet lacks starpower at the moment.

6 – Oklahoma Sooners

Best Prospect: RB Samaje Perine

Most Unheralded: TE Mark Andrews

Other Notable Prospects: RB Joe Mixon; QB Baker Mayfield; WR Jeffery Mead; WR Dede Westbrook; QB Kyler Murray; Miciah Quick

The Sooners looked doom to settle in as a modern day second-tier program until they were revived by Baker Mayfield. The Texas Tech transfer sparked the offense thanks to his incredible improvisational skills and his ability to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers. He lacks prototype size and mechanics, but he has a shot since he can create magic in the pocket. Samaje Perine is one of the nation’s premier power backs. He also added burst in 2015 I did not see during his freshman year; however, I still see him as an old school runner who will be limited as a pro. Joe Mixon intrigues me a bit more thanks to his skills as a receiver and more electric athleticism.

Editor’s Note: Be sure to check back on Wednesday for the top five!

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