Devy 100: 70-66

Rob Willette Posted On June 22, 2018

It is time for the annual installment of the Devy 100, the third-most ballyhooed set of devy rankings completed within the greater Southwest Minneapolis area. As always, whittling this down to a mere one hundred was no simple task. If there is anybody you believe was omitted erroneously, feel free to pop in the comments and express your displeasure. If you missed any of the previous versions, just click on them below.

The Devy 100 is designed for the community of DLF to be as informed as possible about all the college prospects and future dynasty stars whether they play in devy leagues or not. Remember, all this information becomes archived in our library of content and goes into our annual Rookie Draft Guide for you to review when each of these players becomes eligible for traditional rookie drafts.

70. Jonathan Giles, WR LSU Tigers

Profile: Many Power 5 transfers are the result of limited playing time. Such was not the case for Jonathan Giles. He departed Texas Tech despite a 69-1,158-13 line during his sophomore season. He now arrives in Baton Rouge to partake in an offense which has been stuck in neutral for seemingly a decade. Those 2016 numbers are not merely a product of the Air Raid. Giles is a smooth operator with easy speed and a fearless mentality which belies a smaller frame. Following a year away from football, Giles has been somewhat forgotten, which makes him a probable value in any leagues where he has yet to be drafted.

2018 Outlook: As is always the case with LSU, receiver production is a question mark given the play under center. The unsettled situation has led to depressed numbers from a myriad of Tiger pass-catchers. The good news for Giles is his game is a bit of a departure from the trees LSU has been stockpiling in recent years. If he can thrive in the intermediate game, his skills should be on full display even if the offense is still stagnant.

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69. Benny Snell, RB Kentucky Wildcats

Profile: One of the nation’s most tenacious runners, Benny Snell has quietly been an uber-productive back for a Kentucky team with underrated talent. His physicality illustrates his insatiable desire to fight for extra yards; he’s a high-effort runner with the patience to prevent his aggressiveness from becoming a hindrance. The glaring weakness is Snell’s overall explosiveness, though we have seen backs improve their burst as they mature physically. The hope is we see the same gains from Snell in 2018.

2018 Outlook: Snell returns as the centerpiece of the Kentucky office. After two consecutive 1,000 yard seasons, the Ohio product has little left to prove from a production standpoint. His receiving numbers (12 receptions over two seasons) leave much to be desired. We know Snell can be a power back. The next level of his ascendance is reliant on demonstrating moving receiving chops and a bit more juice in his legs.

68. Quintez Cephus, WR Wisconsin Badgers

Profile: Despite his game lacking panache, there are few receivers more complete than Quintez Cephus. His sturdy frame allows him to manhandle passive corners and provides excellent strength at the catch point. Becoming an efficient receiver in what could at times be a low efficiency passing game is an incredible feat, and speaks to the well-rounded skill-set of Cephus.

2018 Outlook: Despite their reputation as a running juggernaut (one they rightfully still maintain) the Badgers are loaded at receiver. Cephus is the most accomplished and arguably most talented of the bunch, and he returns as the top receiver in the Wisconsin receiver hierarchy. If Alex Hornibrook’s performance in the Orange Bowl portends things to come for the Wisconsin passing offense, Cephus could see his stock soar.

67. Felton Davis, WR Michigan State Spartans

Profile: After a rather nondescript start to his career, few pegged Felton Davis as a breakout star for the Spartans. Trishton Jackson was the popular pick to pace Michigan State in receiving after a strong spring game, yet it was Davis who emerged as Brian Lewerke’s favorite target. A sinewy 6’4”, the rising senior thrives in contested situations and can resemble a contortionist as he skies for jump balls. He can get washed out by physical press corners; adding a bully element to his game at the line of scrimmage would help him immensely if he is to become a complete receiver. However, as a big receiver whose game has matured rapidly over the past two years, there should be more buzz around Davis.

2018 Outlook: The aforementioned Trishton Jackson is gone, along with 2017 freshman Hunter Rison. While rising sophomore Cody White is a really good prospect in his own right, it should once again be Davis who leads what could be an explosive passing game if Brian Lewerke continues his ascension. There’s day two appeal for Davis in 2019 if he can cobble together a productive senior campaign.

66. Dwayne Haskins, QB Ohio State Buckeyes

Profile: There is a new era in Columbus following J.T. Barrett’s 23 year tenure under center. We got a peek at Dwayne Haskins during the Buckeyes’ rivalry win over Michigan and the former four star recruit did not disappoint. Haskins may possess some of the more natural arm talent in college football and his deep ball is a work of art. In terms of raw passing ability, he may be the most gifted quarterback we have seen under Urban Meyer.

2018 Outlook: While redshirt freshmen Tate Martell figures to push Haskins all summer, the expectation is Haskins becomes the heir apparent to J.T. Barrett. From a style perspective, it is a dramatic change under center for the Buckeyes. Where Barrett was a gifted runner with passing limitations, Haskins has an unlimited ceiling as a passer and while capable of making plays with his legs, it is no the hallmark of his game. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of a new man under center is if it unlocks the ceiling of Ohio State’s pass-catchers. No alpha receiver has stepped up since the departure of Michael Thomas. It is unfair to put the middling production of the receivers squarely on Barrett’s shoulder, though it is an exciting notion to think this passing game could open up this fall.

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