Devy Conference Preview: ACC

Rob Willette Posted On June 14, 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.

The Atlantic Coast Conference shook the big game blues that have plagued them in recent years en route to the league’s first national title since 2000. Florida State’s return to dominance has inundated an already talent rich league with even more premier athletes. They’re examined here.

The Known Commodities

Jameis Winston, QB Florida State Seminoles

Jameis Winston has already seen his stock vacillate wildly during the offseason. The reigning Heisman winner has claimed the spotlight and will now experience the ad nauseam analysis that comes with it. Despite continued off-field escapades and his flirtation with baseball, this Seminole star remains a coveted devy asset with top five value in superflex leagues.

Duke Johnson, RB Miami Hurricanes

Poised to reconstruct the path that has previously led Hurricanes back to NFL stardom, Duke Johnson remains firmly entrenched in the second-tier of devy backs. With a bit more bulk and a full year of good health, he could sell the masses on the notion that he is a three down runner at the next level and not just a niche piece.

Karlos Williams, RB Florida State Seminoles

An early fall decision to try Karlos Williams at running back as a reclamation project has jumpstarted the former highly touted safety’s career. A well put together back that runs with a temper, he is one of the more interesting skill position prospects to monitor in 2014.

DeVante Parker, WR Louisville Cardinals

Senior receiver DeVante Parker now has top billing on the Cardinals offense with Teddy Bridgewater in the pros. If he can refine his route tree and display more consistency with his hands, he is a dark horse to be the first receiver off the board in 2015.

Jamison Crowder, WR Duke Blue Devils

The numbers for Duke’s diminutive receiver jump off the page. Unfortunately, he’s not explosive enough to be a devy asset at his size. He is more Jeremy Gallon than Brandin Cooks.

Trey Edmunds, RB Virginia Tech Hokies

He assumed the lead back role many expected Michael Holmes to take over in Blacksburg. His pinball style running between the tackles took a lot of strain off the Hokies inconsistent passing game.

Quinshad Davis, WR North Carolina Tar Heels

[inlinead]Quinshad Davis is one of a handful of receivers that could challenge DeVante Parker for the best talent in the ACC. His “go up and get it” mentality has led to a lot of touchdowns during his brief career, and that’s a desirable trait when identifying difference-making prospects.

Rashad Greene, WR Florida State Seminoles

Rashad Greene is one of the nation’s preeminent receivers thanks to next level savvy and acceleration out of his routes. His slight build likely makes him a complimentary target in the NFL, as he is not dynamic enough to overcome his size.

Michael Dyer, RB Louisville Cardinals:

The story of Michael Dyer continues as he enters what seems like his second decade in the collegiate ranks. A monster spring game performance offers hope that he is healthy and ready to dominate as he did during his first two years at Auburn. His age and unorthodox baggage make him hard to trust as anything more than a flier.

Tyler Boyd, WR Pittsburgh Panthers

True freshman Tyler Boyd spent his first year scoring from numerous positions and from every section of the football field. Even sans the quarterback that sent Twitter ablaze with conversation, he is a dynamic jack-of-all trades weapon and an elite devy asset.

Stacy Coley, WR Miami Hurricanes

There are few receivers with a better first step and quick twitch explosion than Miami’s Stacy Coley. His physical development will be paramount in taking his game to the next level.

Ready To Emerge

Mike Williams, WR Clemson Tigers

The Clemson offense will be undergoing sweeping changes in 2014, with Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins now collecting NFL paychecks. The Tigers have done an excellent job reloading the cupboard in recent years, and Mike Williams stands next in line as an elite offensive weapon in the ACC. He’s the jumbo receiver that creates perpetual mismatches due to his ability to ascend the ladder with ease and attack the football at the catch point. With Charone Peake recovering from a serious knee injury and Germone Hopper out of spring ball due to academic issues, it is Williams that stands atop the Tigers depth chart. It is a label he will not shed until he departs campus.

Elijah Hood, RB North Carolina Tar Heels

True freshman annually make immediate impacts and much like in the NFL it is often running backs creating an early ruckus. Due to a frame and incredibly compact running style that delivers more punishment than it receives, the Tar Heels Elijah Hood is a good bet to standout early in his career. A size and speed specimen with innate running talent, Hood will need to work his way into a rotation with Romar Morris and T.J. Logan but the early returns should be sizeable.

Myles Willis, RB Boston College Eagles

Andre Williams seemingly handled every touch for the Eagles’ offense, yet Myles Willis still picked up enough scraps to tag himself as an emerging star. A completely different runner than his predecessor, Willis excels in space and offers immense upside as a receiver. He is not going to replicate Williams’ production nor shoulder his workload, but the true sophomore should be leaned upon to carry the Boston College running game.

Ermon Lane, WR Florida State Seminoles

Opportunity is often the catalyst in catapulting anyone from obscurity, and opportunity is rife in the Seminoles receiving hierarchy. Beyond Rashad Greene, the Seminoles are thin following the departures of Kelvin Benjamin and Kenny Shaw. Ermon Lane has a mature, advanced game that portends early playing time and early production.

Most Overrated

I have been guilty of overrating Rashad Greene myself due to the fact he is a phenomenal college player who does as much work between his ears as he does between the hashes. His understanding of the nuances of the game make him a likely Top 100 pick, yet his overall skill-set may not be explosive enough to overcome his height and bulk deficiencies. Despite elite college production that will span four years, he profiles as a role player in the NFL whose production may be heavily reliant on scheme and situation.

Most Underrated

I must be smitten with the North Carolina backfield, as I am going to slot T.J. Logan here. He’s already established himself as a productive player, yet his name brand value is not yet commensurate with his talent. He adds a speed element that is matched by few in the ACC.

ACC Top 10