Developing Assets: Week Two

Ryan McDowell Posted On September 6, 2014

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Wake Up and Watch: McNeese State at Nebraska (ESPNU, 12:00)

[inlinead]After one week of action, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have the second most rushing yards in the nation, and diminutive senior back Ameer Abdullah is a huge part of that. Abdullah totaled 232 rushing yards last week, along with a touchdown. I really can’t explain it, but Abdullah has been largely off the radar of devy owners. It’s not that the active devy owner is not aware of the Huskers star, who enters 2014 with back to back 1,000 yard campaigns, including nearly 1,700 yard last season. Abdullah has shown to be adequate as a receiver out of the backfield as well, averaging 200 receiving yards over the past two seasons. If Abdullah keeps up this strong play, he’ll force dynasty owners to give him respect.

At 12:00, six ranked teams will be in action, but none matching up against each other. Be willing and ready to jump from one game to another, but give Abdullah a long look.

Other teams in action at the noon hour, along with some players to focus on include:

Florida Atlantic at Alabama (TJ Yeldon, Derrick Henry, Amari Cooper, OJ Howard)
Western Illinois at Wisconsin (Melvin Gordon, Corey Clement)
Arkansas State at Tennessee (Marquez North, Von Pearson, Josh Malone, Jalen Hurd)
Western Kentucky at Illinois (Wes Lunt)
Akron at Penn State (Christian Hackenberg, Jesse James, Akeel Lynch, Mike Gesicki)
Howard at Rutgers (Paul James, Leonte Carroo)

Midday Marquee: Southern California at Stanford (ABC, 3:30)

The USC Trojans are back among the top teams in the country in this early part of the season, at least according to their top 15 ranking. What’s surprising though, is the lack of top end talent on their roster, as far as presumed NFL success goes. USC does trot out a pair of skill position starters that could hit the league as soon as next season. Running back Javorius Allen is off to a good start and looked dominant in last week’s blowout win over Fresno State. Of course, he’s already 23 years old, so you’d expect him to dominate against 18 and 19 year old defenders. The upperclassman with the highest upside is probably wide receiver Nelson Agholor. There seems to be a wide range of opinion on Agholor, who many are calling a potential first round pick. I see a receiver who is solid at most areas of the game, but special at none.

The stars of the Trojan team might be a pair of freshman receivers, JuJu Smith and Adoree’ Jackson. Smith led the team in receiving last week, hauling in four passes for 123 yards. Jackson, who spends most of his time playing defensive back, caught three passes for 36 yards. It will be an exciting three years in Los Angeles with these dynamic players.

On the other side of the field, the Stanford Cardinal come off a blowout victory. While there were no offensive stars last week, it was only because they spread the ball around. Quarterback Kevin Hogan is likely to be drafted, but his flaws are becoming clear. He might have been better off declaring for the draft a season ago. With running back Tyler Gaffney now in the NFL, the door is finally open for Barry Sanders, Jr. to see more snaps. He led the team in rushing last week, but only gained 43 yards. The star of the Cardinal offense and top devy option is receiver Ty Montgomery, a player who is still mastering the position, yet oozes athleticism.

Primetime Play: Michigan at Notre Dame (NBC, 7:30)

Devin Funchess entered the season needing to answer many questions. Facing a position switch from tight end to wide receiver could be a challenge, especially when scouts, dratniks and dynasty owners try to decipher what position he’s best suited for in the NFL. On top of that, Funchess was also being criticized for too many easy drops. His game last week should have quieted his critics as he exploded for seven receptions and 95 yards, along with three touchdowns. Funchess is a potential top three rookie pick in next spring’s dynasty drafts, so hopefully you already own him in your devy league.

He’s not the only Michigan man to have a big opening week. Running back Derrick Green, a former five star recruit, gained 170 rushing yards and just 15 carries. He’s always had the ability, but was stuck behind a veteran starter a season ago and looked lost when he did see the field. He is a good example of why giving up on a player too soon is a bad idea.

Their foes, the Irish of Notre Dame is absolutely stacked with future NFL talent, most of it very young. Greg Bryant led the Irish in rushing, although he only touched the ball eight times. The Golden Domers also boast some nice receiving threats including Corey Robinson and tight end Ben Koyack. Another explosive wide receiver, Torii Hunter, Jr. is battling a groin injury, but should be back in action soon, though don’t look for him in this legendary battle.

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Ryan McDowell

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

In addition to his senior leadership role here at DLF, Ryan is also a husband, father of three and PE teacher. Ryan is the commissioner of multiple dynasty leagues, most notably the Kitchen Sink Dynasty Leagues. Here at DLF, Ryan’s focus is on identifying, monitoring and analyzing player value.