Underrated Devy Gems

Rob Willette Posted On June 10, 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.

There is an arbitrary number when ranking devy prospects that signifes you have breached the point of no return. This point is only known to those who dare venture down this avenue and arrival portends a future surrounded by padded white walls. You can throw away recruiting stars or current roles when delving this deep into the devy underworld. It is all about projection and instinct.

Even the savviest owner is naïve to the next “out of nowhere” breakout star. That is a large part of what makes the process so exciting. The names on this list are the ultimate fliers, and the following may be the most ink they ever receive. They are the deepest of finds in leagues, yet offer an incredible return given their current price.

Amara Darboh, WR Michigan Wolverines

Extenuating circumstances have led to Amara Darboh posting a donut in the reception department during his first two seasons in Ann Arbor. He spent his true freshman season on special teams and became a spring practice darling in 2013 prior to having his sophomore campaign ameliorated due to a foot injury. His presence outside was missed, as the Wolverines leaned heavily on Jeremy Gallon and Devin Funchess in a passing game that lacked balance. With Gallon now gone, Brady Hoke’s club is in desperate need of new playmakers in the passing game. Darboh is the best bet to fill that void. His sticky mitts and mid-air gesticulations make him perhaps the best receiver ever to not catch a pass during his first two years on campus. His time is here.

Myles Willis, RB Boston College Eagles

There was zero room for headliners behind Andre Williams in 2013. The senior back eviscerated ACC defenses en route to an invite to the Heisman Ceremony – that allowed Myles Willis to quietly snuggle in as a complementary weapon, a role he will shed in 2014. A far more dynamic space player than Williams, the true sophomore can invent running room thanks to legs that maneuver like hummingbird’s wings. Running behind an experienced and powerful offensive line, his national profile should take off in 2014.

Corey Coleman, WR Baylor Bears

Tevin Reese’s departure leaves a lot of numbers to be had in the Baylor passing game. Corey Coleman will happily gobble those up in 2014. The redshirt sophomore was a complementary piece in the offensive juggernaut that is the Baylor offense, yet he’s poised to become of the nation’s more productive receivers. A sturdier athlete than Reese, he is slippery in the open field and has the ability to get vertical with ease. He has the inside track on assuming the role that many expected Robbie Rhodes to have, and he is one of the top breakout candidates in college football.

Maxx Williams, TE Minnesota Golden Gophers

Seldom are the years in which my Gophers have notable talent. The Jerry Kill Era, however, has proven to be a breath of fresh air when it comes to player development. A lightly recruited local product, Maxx Williams took a redshirt year to bulk up and then emerged as the second best weapon in the Gophers’ passing game. He fits the modern mold of tight ends as a large, athletic weapon with a massive catching radius, and has Jason Witten-esque shuffle steps after the catch that illustrates his surprisingly nimble feet. Once you get past the O.J. Howard/Hunter Henry tier, there is an argument to be made for Williams as the third best tight end prospect in college football.

Jaime Wilson, WR Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

The 2012 version of Corey Davis was Jaime Wilson, a former Western Michigan Bronco who opted to transfer following a year lost due to injury. The drop to FCS means he will fall completely off the radar after being rostered in a few devy leagues last offseason, but the advanced game he demonstrated as a true freshman should translate into dominance at a lesser level of football. The odds are stacked against him due to his less than ideal size and questionable competition, but with scouting as advanced as it is now, he will have every opportunity to make his name known before his eligibility is up.

Jason Croom, WR Tennessee Volunteers

The fourth most heralded Volunteer receiver, Jason Croom is by far its most physically imposing. Viewed as a potential tight end out of high school, he has managed to stick outside and despite often playing smaller than he actually is, and you can see the untapped potential in his game just waiting to shine through. He’s not going to post eye-popping numbers due to the depth of the Tennessee passing attack but he has immense pro upside if he can organize all the items in his toolbox.

Tyler Winston, WR San Jose State Broncos

The Mountain West’s freshman player of the year was incredibly efficient, making the most of his opportunities in the passing game behind now Cleveland Brown Chandler Jones. Tyler Winston may not possess standout physical skills or an incredibly large frame but he showed an innate savvy on his way to capturing the aforementioned honor. Even without David Fales under center, Winston is a true Biletnikoff candidate and one of college football’s most underrated receivers.

Connor Cook, QB Michigan State Spartans

The Spartans offense is not exactly one known for tossing the rock around the yard. However, Connor Cook showed a lot of toughness in the pocket and has a knack for making the big throw at key times. At his current price, he is a much better value than similar prospects such as Brett Hundley or Bryce Petty.

Corey Grant, RB Auburn Tigers

Auburn’s Corey Grant is far from the most complete back in college football but he may be its fastest. Elite speed is the hallmark of Grant’s game, and gives him niche back potential at the next level.

T.J. Logan, RB North Carolina Tar Heels

I’m a proponent of the Elijah Hood bandwagon, but he is not simply going to wrest touches away from T.J. Logan. A high level recruit in his own right, Logan is seldom mentioned despite a rock solid freshman campaign. A fluid athlete with versatile skills, he will not be unheralded for long.