Devy Conference Preview: PAC-12 North

Rob Willette Posted On August 12, 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.

Even prior to expanding to 12 teams, the PAC was well on its way to establishing itself as the league’s second best conference. The demise of USC has been offset by the emergence of Stanford as a national power and the revival of the UCLA program. As such, the talent is so deep that a preview needs to be broken into two sections: North and South.

Known Commodities

Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon Ducks

Many prefer Marcus Mariota to the more ballyhooed Jameis Winston. A dynamic dual-threat quarterback that is comfortable making plays on the edge of the defense, he is not in need of additional ink. All you need to know is that he is one of the top developmental quarterbacks available and an elite option in Super Flex leagues.

Ty Mongtomery, WR Stanford Cardinal

An elite athlete still mastering the nuances of the receiver position, Ty Montgomery is a unique talent. On the plus side, he has found a way to be productive while still learning how to be a receiver. On the downside, he may be a gifted athlete that struggles to transition when everyone on the field is an elite specimen. Regardless of where you stand, he is well worth a pick, especially at his current cost.

Thomas Tyner, RB Oregon Ducks

A graceful, long-legged runner that is a tantalizing combination of size and speed, Thomas Tyner demonstrated his five star ability as a true freshman in 2013. While not a shifty, jitterbug type runner, his long speed and smooth gait offer immense long-term upside and make him an early favorite to be a top rookie pick in 2016.

Kasen Williams, WR Washington Huskies

One of college football’s more competitive players, Kasen Williams’ stock has dropped almost exclusively due to a major leg injury that wiped away much of his 2013 campaign. His current value makes him a great add late in drafts.

Kevin Hogan, QB Stanford Cardinal

There’s nothing pretty about the game of Kevin Hogan. His delivery makes Byron Leftwich look like a master of passing mechanics and he was seen mostly turning around and handing the ball to Tyler Gaffney in 2013. He is, however, a fairly mobile quarterback that looks the part. While a bit overrated at the moment, his development should be monitored.

Byron Marshall, RB Oregon Ducks

[inlinead]The steady component of a Ducks backfield that had more flashy talents in DeAnthony Thomas and the aforementioned Tyner, Byron Marshall built on a promising freshman campaign with a 1,000 yard season as a sophomore. A compact runner between the tackles with an extra gear in the open field, he is not an elite talent but is a safe bet to find a role in the NFL as a day two or three pick.

Sean Mannion, QB Oregon State Beavers

The Beavers passing offense carved up PAC 12 defenses on the arm of Sean Mannion in 2013. A tall, sturdy quarterback that looks the part, Mannion is a statue in the pocket and needs premier protection to make throws. He’ll also need to adjust to life without Brandin Cooks. He does, however, have a solid skill-set and another year in Mike Riley’s offense may allow him to slide him as the number three quarterback behind Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston.

Khalfani Muhammad, RB California Golden Bears

Khalfani Muhammad did his best Jahvid Best impression as a freshman, showcasing elite speed and an ability to be dynamic in both the run and pass game. Slight, yet with a frame that can carry additional weight, his profile should explode as he gains more touches in the Golden Bears’ offense.

Ready To Emerge

Dwayne Washington, RB Washington Huskies

Despite spending a majority of the 2013 season on the sidelines watching Bishop Sankey take virtually every touch there was available, Dwayne Washington got enough run to show folks that he is the next big thing at running back in the PAC 12. In the Darren McFadden mold as a high-cut runner with wheels and power, he’s a dominant athletic talent that runs with a purpose. A former receiver, he is a natural catcher and drips upside as a dynamic all-purpose back. With Sankey gone, Washington is the most gifted runner on the roster and arguably its best weapon. He’s set to emerge as a late arrival in the deep 2015 class of runners.

Barry Sanders Jr, RB Stanford Cardinal

Stanford is not a place where you get playing time immediately after setting foot on campus. The program demands that its talent is both physically and mentally ready to produce at a high level prior to carving out a significant role. Due to a game that was not yet well-rounded, the much hyped Barry Sanders Jr. has been mostly spectator during his first two seasons on campus. Admittedly, much of his appeal comes from the obvious name value and lineage. However, he’s a natural runner with shiftiness in tight spaces and surprising power. He offers the Cardinal an element they have lacked in their backfield and is poised to experience a post-hype breakout.

Victor Bolden, WR Oregon State Beavers

Oregon State is no stranger to breakout receivers, with both Markus Wheaton and Brandin Cooks eviscerating PAC 12 defenses over the past few years. The next in line is Victor Bolden. His dynamic ability in space makes him the ideal replacement for Cooks, and despite other talented receivers in Corvallis, he’s quite possibly its most explosive weapon and a candidate to torch the PAC 12 in 2014.

Most Overrated

Kevin Hogan, QB Stanford Cardinal

Though Kevin Hogan has not yet emerged as a must-own quarterback, the fact that he has garnered devy interest is a bit much at this point. A limited passer that has yet to elevate his receivers, he looks like back-up material at the next level. While there’s still time to grow, he has not yet displayed enough to be worthy of a devy pick.

Most Underrated

Kenny Lawler, WR California Golden Bears

You only got to see bits and pieces of Kenny Lawler’s game in 2013, but when put together they make up an impressive receiver. Tall and lean with dynamic ability in the redzone, he is the Bears best prospect at the receiver position and a candidate to blow up in his second year with Jared Goff.

PAC 12 North Top 10