Devy Tweet Storm: ACC

Rob Willette Posted On June 16, 2017

Last weekend, I was stuck inside and my mind drifted to the current college football landscape. To escape the bad weather outside, I created a storm of my own…a Tweetstorm. In this series of articles, you’ll find some quick thoughts on every Power Five college football team, plus Notre Dame, and key players from those teams. Remember, you can find more content like this routinely if you follow me on Twitter @RobWillette.

Stormy day. Going to cap it by Tweetstorming some thoughts on every Power 5 team for devy purposes.

— Rob Willette (@RobWillette24) June 11, 2017

Boston College

-Remember Andre Williams? Word of caution for BC players. Harold Landry is great in the IDP world. Topic for another day.

Clemson

–Deon Cain the headliner. Has had a solid career thus far, though I want to see what he can do with extended snaps in 2017. Fast enough. Strong enough. Big enough. Where is he elite? Not sure. But still a good prospect.

–Tee Higgins stretches for days. Elite ball skills. Fearless. Needs to make strides in his explosiveness, but tools there.

–Tavien Feaster takes over as RB1. Sprinter speed. Needs to learn Wayne Gallman’s toughness between tackles. Far more upside than Gallman. Just needs experience and refinement. Very young and limited opportunity.

–Amari Rodgers – a true freshman – looks like a long-term Artavis Scott replacement, though he’s a bit better with the ball in the air.

–Hunter Renfrow makes plays. Not great in any area; just productive. Could go from walk-on to NFL roster.

–Ray-Ray McLoud is immediate Scott replacement. Weapon in short passing game. Like Scott, not sure I see a ton of NFL potential.

-I am passing on Hunter Johnson. Perhaps unfairly, because Trevor Lawrence lurks. Hard to fathom a five star being usurped in process. But Lawrence may be that legit. Weird yet awesome situation if you’re a Clemson fan.

Duke

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–Daniel Jones is quietly one of the ACC’s best quarterbacks. Has plenty going for him. Tall, and was great as a redshirt freshman. 2018 eligible, though seems likely he waits until 2019 at the earliest. Keep tabs on him.

-I like T.J. Rahming. To make a lazy comparison, has similarities to former Duke receiver Jamison Crowder. Small receiver who does not show it. Can make plays all over football field.

Florida State

–Cam Akers is great. The rare freshman I would invest a first round devy pick in. Crazy since he was a high school QB. Backfield loaded all-around (no secret). Jacques Patrick is a quality player and has excellent speed for a supersized back.

–Amir Rasul looks like a player who could contribute in passing game, and he’s an excellent runner as well. Just question opportunity.

–Khalan Laborn I am not huge on, but adding him to your running back stable is always a good thing. Another weapon.

–Zequandre White is not even mentioned. Seems a redshirt is likely; still a talented back. Such is life behind Akers.

-I like Auden Tate. Just want to see more YAC game/non-jump ball game before I become smitten. But I am nitpicking. He’s a top five receiver for 2018. Has NFL tools and obviously, the frame to match.

–Nyqwan Murray really stepped up in 2016. Feel his upside is limited to very good collegiate receiver. Small and not as dynamic as hoped.

–Keith Gavin is a lottery ticket I would rather punch. NFL body. Has opportunity now. Somewhat intrigued.

–D.J. Matthews is the smallish receiver entering the college ranks. Great playmaker. One player I feel can overcome size limitations.

–Deondre Francois took a beating last year. Feel he is underrated due to it. Lacks eye popping tools, yet made throws all over field. Do not expect him to declare in 2018, but could be a top QB in 2019.

Georgia Tech

-It is all about Dedrick Mills. Strong, brutish runner with little regard for human life.

-Been burned by Jonathan Dwyer before, so not diving in with two feet at the moment.

Louisville

–Lamar Jackson is an elite runner. But impressed by his maturation as a passer. Not all the way there but plenty of tools. Think the polarizing nature of his evaluation will be due to the fact not many are like him. At least from a fantasy standpoint, extremely good.

-Lot of receivers of note here: Jaylen Smith/Desmond Fitzpatrick/Seth Dawkins. Smith already established as big play guy. He is a natural hands catcher with good speed. Fitzpatrick had monster spring day. Dawkins has freshman contributions/athleticism.

Miami

–Ahmmon Richards leads the charge. Elite speed (4.31 at Miami – likely a 4.4 guy) and awesome freshman season. Big play potential. Although he’s not big, could be 6’1″, 200 by NFL Draft time. He’s plenty big and an elite devy prospect.

–Mark Walton is gaining steam. Elite balance. Has some burst and explosion. More development and he skyrockets north.

-The rare IDP mention but Joe Jackson – freshman defensive end – was awesome last year. Felt a need to give him a tip of the cap.

North Carolina

-A lot of talent to overhaul. Liked Juval Mollette out of high school. Nothing shown yet. Lot to prove. Somebody will emerge. Just an offense in total transition.

North Carolina State

-I like Jaylen Samuels. Who knows what his NFL spot is. But he can contribute in many ways. Do not typecast him. 5’11”, 223. Just move him around the formation and let him make plays. Will be curious how well he tests.

-Sophomore receiver Kelvin Harmon is an ascending devy talent. Huge frame and makes a lot of plays on the perimeter. Intriguing talent.

Pittsburgh

–Quadree Henderson will pick up steam due to Tyreek Hill. He’s an elite playmaker all-around. Will have a role in NFL. Will depend on if teams can get creative enough to utilize him. Not for the narrow-minded coach.

–Jester Weah is big and was a sprinter in HS. I just realized it was creepy we know what these guys did in their high school days. Took a bit to come around, which was not expected given his profile coming into college. Not your standard evaluation.

Syracuse

-I liked Steve Ishmael early in his career. Plateaued a bit. With Amba Etta-Tawo gone, opportunity abound. Not exactly the Donovan McNabb/Marvin Harrison days here.

–Erv Phillips looks to be a productive inside/slot receiver, though do not see appeal beyond his days in Carrier Dome.

Virginia

-I liked Olamide Zaccheus until he moved to receiver. Felt he had intriguing talent as running back.

-IDP watch: Micah Kiser (LB) and Quin Blanding are intriguing.

Virginia Tech

-Moving along their big talent on offense. Long-term I like Hendon Hooker under center. Only interested in the QBs in superflex leagues.

Wake Forest

–Cam Serigne has been on tight end watch list for a bit. Likely a day three guy next year; still most notable Wake Forest prospect.

If you enjoyed this look at the ACC, check out the other parts of this series for my thoughts on the other Power Five conferences.

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