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.
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.
30. Damien Harris, RB Alabama Crimson Tide
Profile: Always a productive back for the Crimson Tide, Damien Harris took his game to a new level in 2017. His increased explosion was noticeable and he showed maturation as a runner, gaining tough yards as opposed to attempting to dance for a bigger gain. Harris excels as someone who can work in harmony with his blockers and explode when given a crease. For two years, I viewed Harris as somebody whose value was buoyed by the program he was a part of as well as the fact he was the top-rated running back in a watered-down class. But he has made notable gains each year. He should be in the day two mix come 2019.
2018 Outlook: Alabama is stacked at running back. Alert the media. Harris returns as Nick Saban’s lead runner, though he will have to contend with a healthier Josh Jacobs as well as an ascending Najee Harris. The elder Harris is the favorite to lead this backfield in touches but he is unlikely to have a workhorse profile in 2018.
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29. Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan Wolverines
Profile: Highlights were few and far between for one of 2017’s elite receiver recruits. A stagnant Wolverine passing offense created few opportunities for DPJ to flash the innate playmaking ability which made him a priority target for Jim Harbaugh. Though his numbers were limited, we were able to see the trademark flexibility and ball skills which created such a buzz around the Detroit product. Peoples-Jones has few limitations physically. He’s a natural in creating separation and his long, lean frame is adept at climbing the ladder to make plays on the football. Despite a nondescript start to his collegiate career, there are ample reasons to be bullish on Peoples-Jones.
2018 Outlook: The Michigan offense as a whole was rescued from the gallows once it was announced Shea Patterson would be transferring to Ann Arbor and would be immediately eligible. While it is dangerous to consider Patterson a savior, and acknowledging Brandon Peters showed flashes late in 2017, Patterson’s playmaking flair and willingness to push the ball downfield should unlock the immense potential of Michigan’s receivers. Peoples-Jones will battle Tarik Black for the alpha role in the hierarchy, though there is plenty of opportunity for both to thrive. DPJ should be one of college football’s breakout stars in 2018.
28. Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC Trojans
Profile: The third brother of the St. Brown lineage, Amon-Ra is the family’s best prospect. Unlike his namesake, this Amon-Ra is not responsible for creation of all life, which should give him more time to focus on his football skills. St. Brown’s game meshes seamlessly with the direction football is going. He’s unstoppable off the line of scrimmage, creating immediate separation and excelling in the intermediate game both before and after the catch. Footballs flock to his hands like a moth to a flame and he plays the game with the swagger you would expect from an elite receiver. Confident, polished, and already a technician, St. Brown should contribute immediately for the Trojans.
2018 Outlook: 2017’s leading receiver Deontay Burnett is gone. Tyler Vaughns is going to be a major factor, but the depth chart is not so imposing it is going to bury St. Brown. Joseph Lewis is gone following off-field issues and Michael Pittman is a talented receiver who has been snakebitten by injury. St. Brown’s advanced receiving intellect should endear him to the coaching staff and whoever is under center, making him an early standout and somebody whose value should only rise throughout 2018.
27. Deebo Samuel, WR South Carolina Gamecocks
Profile: Deebo Samuel is a natural fit for the new, positionless NFL. Playing wide receiver yet built like a running back, Samuel is a physical terror who takes the fight to a defense and has an insatiable desire to fight for extra yards. Of course, such a rugged style can also have a downside, and Samuel has battled injuries throughout his Gamecock career. While a lot of Samuel’s value is in his versatility, he’s still a very good receiver with strong hands and excellent body control. He stands out as a unique prospect in a receiver class which features a lot of traditional, big-bodied receivers.
2018 Outlook: The key for Samuel in 2018 is health. Another significant injury and he will have a tough time shedding the stigma of being a talented yet unreliable prospect. A seasoned South Carolina offense will return and new offensive coordinator Bryan McClendon should unleash this talented group. A full year dominating as a receiver and returner could push Samuel awfully close to day one.
26. Stephen Carr, RB USC Trojans
Profile: One of the most entertaining runners in college football, Stephen Carr has electric feet and can simply toy with defenders in the open field. His burst is the hallmark of his game and he doesn’t waste steps in his quest for yardage accumulation. With soft hands and the quickest of quick-twitch muscles, Carr also torches defenders in the passing game. Nagging injuries have conspired to limit Carr’s early production, but few backs in college football have his natural talent as a runner.
2018 Outlook: Carr is poised to take over for Ronald Jones as the Trojans’ lead back, and he figures to establish himself as the clear workhorse in this backfield. A gifted back who can contribute in a variety of ways, he offers more versatility than the explosive yet passing game limited Jones. Only the aforementioned myriad of injuries are keeping him out of the top 15.
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Rob Willette
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