Devy Conference Preview: AAC

Rob Willette

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The American Athletic Conference loses a lot of star power with Louisville moving to the ACC. The Cardinals have arguably been the most talent-rich team in the conference under Charlie Strong. Last year’s best team – Central Florida – loses its top two offensive weapons in Blake Bortles and Storm Johnson. There is still talent here, just not quite as much as we saw in 2013.

The Known Commodities

Deontay Greenberry, WR Houston Cougars

Houston’s Deontay Greenberry is the crown jewel in the AAC. Listed anywhere between 6’1 and 6’3, the former Notre Dame commit is likely closer to the former yet plays big thanks to long arms and springy legs. His willingness to make catches with his hands is refreshing. He is not only the best receiver in the AAC; he is one of the nation’s elite.

Justin Hardy, WR East Carolina Pirates

Standing under six feet tall and lacking dynamic, game breaking skills, Justin Hardy is not going to get devy owners excited but he has done nothing but produce during his first three years on campus. A receiver that excels in the intermediate game, he has a shot to stick in the NFL as a reliable slot weapon.

Lyle McCombs, RB Connecticut Huskies

Lyle McCombs was a trendy sleeper pick a few years back, with owners believing they had identified a late bloomer that was ready to explode onto the national scene. While he has been fairly productive, a string of off-field incidents appears to be what has led to McCombs no longer being part of the football program. He is not the type of talent that can emerge after sitting out a year.

Breshad Perriman, WR Central Florida Knights

The surprising emergence of Blake Bortles as a top five NFL prospect is partly due to the maturation of Breshad Perriman. Lightning quick off the line of scrimmage and well built, the son of former Lion receiver Brett Perriman has next level skills.

Gunner Kiel, QB Cincinnati Bearcats

Gunner Kiel is known almost solely through reputation. As a former mega recruit at Notre Dame, he will now have the spotlight as the starter at Cincinnati. A big arm and credible supporting cast give him an opportunity to produce immediately.

Brandon Hayes, RB Memphis Tigers

The hard-nosed, instinctual Brandon Hayes was the lead back for a bad Memphis squad in 2013, and showed between the tackles chops along with decent hands in the passing game. The overall package is not enough to invest a draft pick, though he is on the watch list in 2014.

Mekale McKay, WR Cincinnati Bearcats

Able to play immediately after transferring from Arkansas, Mekale McKay was used sparingly yet maximized his touches to the tune of over 30 yards per catch. A bean pole that is all arms and legs, McKay’s still a work in progress yet the overall toolkit lends itself to immense potential.

John O’Korn, QB Houston Cougars

John O’Korn was quietly one of the nation’s better freshman quarterbacks in 2013, showing a pocket savvy beyond his years and the ability and gumption to throw the football into tight spaces. With prototypical size and arm strength, the physical tools are already there to take notice.

Geremy Davis, WR Connecticut Huskies

A big target with reliable hands, Geremy Davis has a pro feel to his game. He becomes the most established player on UConn’s offense with Lyle McCombs out of town and should be featured heavily in 2014.

Shane Carden, QB East Carolina Pirates

The triggerman for a quick strike offense, Shane Carden piled up numbers and excelled with his intermediate accuracy. A small school passer with elite production and serviceable tools, he may develop into the David Fales of the 2015 class as a draftnik darling that NFL teams view in a backup role.

Ready To Emerge

William Stanback, RB Central Florida Knights

[inlinead]Storm Johnson was the clear focal point of the Knights’ rushing offense in 2013, toting the rock 213 times and setting the tempo for UCF’s Fiesta Bowl winning campaign. He’s now in Jacksonville, leaving William Stanback as the man ready to assume his large workload in the backfield. At times, he looked like a younger version of Johnson with his bruising running style and well-rounded game. With a lead back frame and skills, he will cement himself as one of the league’s best backs before long.

Markeith Ambles, WR Houston Cougars

It is hard to believe Markeith Ambles is still on the radar after taking the Michael Dyer path through the college ranks. In 2010, he was an elite recruit expected to contribute early for a star-studded Southern California squad. Fast forward four years, and he is battling for scraps in the Houston passing game. His performance in the Compass Bowl against Vanderbilt – six receptions for 105 yards – is cause for cautious optimism, especially for those who invested in him as a true freshman. If he is not weighed down by the baggage he is carrying, he has the tools to emerge as the number two target for the Cougars.

Most Overrated

Although his stock is lukewarm at best currently, I am always a little leery of quarterbacks in the Shane Carden mold. He’s a highly efficient collegiate passer that is masterful working within the spread. Take him outside of that cozy environment, and I am not confident he can succeed. He tops out as a late round pick/UDFA and career backup.

Most Underrated

With a smooth intermediate game, explosive ability off the line, and credible deep speed, Breshad Perriman is a gifted receiver currently being treated as an afterthought. Though he is not going to evolve into a difference-maker at the next level, he profiles as a contributor. In a lesser conference, he is one of the more appealing assets.

AAC Top 10

  1. Deontay Greenberry, WR Houston
  2. Mekale McKay, WR Cincinnati
  3. Breshad Perriman, WR Central Florida
  4. John O’Korn, QB Houston
  5. Geremy Davis, WR Connecticut
  6. William Stanback, Central Florida
  7. Justin Hardy, WR East Carolina
  8. Markeith Ambles, WR Houston
  9. Hosey Williams, RB Cincinnati
  10. Kenneth Farrow, RB Houston

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rob willette