Dynasty Scouts Conference Review: SEC

Ryan McDowell Posted On September 15, 2016

Here at Dynasty Scouts, we’ll always do our best to keep you informed about the latest happenings in college football. In short, we watch all of the games so you don’t have to. Here’s some of what we noticed this past weekend.

SEC

Premier Conference Performer

Calvin Ridley, WR Alabama (Sophomore)
Nine receptions, 129 yards, one touchdown vs. Western Kentucky

After a quiet opening game of the season, sophomore Calvin Ridley balled out for the Crimson Tide against the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky, hauling in nine passes for 129 yards and a score. Although the Alabama offense has put up big points in their first two games, it seems they will be more reliant on their rushing offense than they have in the past, even when they had players like Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake – this could mean Ridley posting more average games as he did against USC, rather than the impressive numbers of last week.

Rising

[am4show have=’g1;’ guest_error=’sub_message’ user_error=’sub_message’ ]

Rawleigh Williams III, RB Arkansas (Sophomore)
 28 carries, 137 yards vs. Texas Christian

After losing a pair of talented backs in Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams, there had to be someone to step up for the Arkansas Razorbacks this season and it appears that will be sophomore Rawleigh Williams III, who gained 137 yards in the upset win over #15 TCU. I’ll be interested in see if Williams can keep up this level of production as Arkansas enters their conference schedule.

Christian Kirk, WR Texas A&M (Sophomore)
Five receptions, 106 yards, two touchdowns vs. Prairie View

Sophomore Christian Kirk is just one piece of a deep and talented receiver depth chart for the Aggies of Texas A&M, but through two games, he may be separating himself from the pack. Kirk, whose game reminds me of former SEC star Percy Harvin, led the team with five grabs for 106 yards and a pair of touchdowns. On a team that also features Josh Reynolds, Ricky Seals-Jones and Speedy Noil, Kirk is the player to watch on a weekly basis.

Derrius Guice, RB LSU (Sophomore)
19 carries, 155 yards, one touchdown, one reception, 18 yards

Given a chance to start and desperate to get his team back on track, sophomore Derrius Guice rumbled for 155 yards and a score in the LSU win over lowly Jacksonville State. The LSU Tigers season did not begin the way they had hoped and the passing game is nearly non-existent, so the team will lean heavily on the running game all season.

Antonio Callaway, WR Florida (Sophomore)
Five receptions, 129 yards, one touchdown

Gators receiver Antonio Callaway ended his freshman season leaving Florida fans with doubts about his future as he was suspended for an off-field incident. That’s in the past now and he once again looks like the best offensive weapon for the traditional SEC power. Callaway caught five balls for 129 yards and a touchdown as he did whatever he wanted against the Kentucky Wildcats.

Falling

Damien Harris, BJ Emmons, Bo Scarbrough, RBs Alabama

It’s clear to see Alabama will be relying on the running game this year and they have a trio of talented backs to carry the balanced load. While all have already made some big plays just two weeks into the season, the trio could somewhat cancel each other out when it comes to their devy value. If this does happen, it will give dynasty owners an opportunity to acquire these players at a cheaper cost than they should carry.

DK Metcalf, WR Mississippi (Freshman)
One reception, 10 yards, One touchdown vs. Wofford

It’s been a wild ride already for talented freshman DK Metcalf of Ole Miss. The highly recruited receiver caught just one pass in each of his first two games, but each catch was a touchdown. Unfortunately, Metcalf suffered a broken bone in his foot during the team’s bounce back win over Wofford, which could signal the end of his season. With Damore’ea Stringfellow and Evan Engram both potentially bolting for the NFL after this season, Metcalf will enter next season with high expectations.

Travin Dural, WR LSU (Senior)
One reception, five yards

Many were pegging LSU senior Travin Dural as a potential high NFL Draft pick next spring, but with the early struggles of the Tiger passing game, that is not looking likely. Dural is a player I have my doubts about due to his age, since he’s older than most other players he’s suiting up against.

Malachi Dupre, WR LSU (Junior)
No receptions

Dural is not the only Tiger pass-catcher who’s been a disappointment. After catching three passes in the season opener against Wisconsin, Dupre was shut out last week. Dupre was a player most dynasty players have projected as a future first round dynasty rookie pick, though I’m starting to think we may have been overrating him all along. Many of his issues are certainly due to the overall struggles of the passing offense during his tenure there, but Dupre has failed to live up to his high recruiting rank coming out of high school.

Freshman Spotlight

Jalen Hurts, QB Alabama (Freshman)
23/36 passing, 287 yards, two touchdowns, 11 carries, 19 yards vs. Western Kentucky

There was some uncertainty about who exactly would be the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide this season and sophomore Blake Barnett did just enough to get the call as the opening game starter. After a bit of a slow start, he was replaced by freshman Jalen Hurts and the offense took off after that. In their second game, it was Hurts’ turn to start and he looks to have claimed the job going forward. The dual threat quarterback should be fun to watch in Tuscaloosa for the next three years.

[/am4show]

Author
Recent Posts

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.