Devy 100: 15-11

Rob Willette Posted On September 6, 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.

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.

15. Travis Etienne, RB Clemson Tigers

Profile: A sometimes-plodding Clemson offense was injected with renewed life whenever Travis Etienne touched the football in 2017. As if propelled by a slingshot, Etienne launches himself into the second-level, showing a flair for the big play and elite acceleration. Almost looking out of control at times, Etienne nonetheless demonstrates elite contact balance and has power than you’d expect from a young back barely eclipsing the 200-pound barrier. A premier athlete with a heaping of production at a young age, Etienne has quickly established himself as an elite prospect.

2018 Outlook: Kelly Bryant enters the year as Clemson’s starter, though true freshman phenom Trevor Lawrence will push him every step of the way. Regardless of who is under center, the Tigers should lean heavily on their run game to complement a defense dripping with talent. Even sharing the backfield with Tavien Feaster, Etienne figures to build on his excellent freshman campaign.

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14. AJ Dillon, RB Boston College Eagles

Profile: Built like a collegiate Le’Veon Bell and with the light feet to match, Dillon became Boston College’s offensive centerpiece as a freshman and helped give the program a breath of life it has not had since the Matt Ryan Era. While Dillon can fairly easily bulldoze his way to extra yards, he’s learned to utilize his agility and running instincts more and more as his game has matured. He’s a complete mystery as a receiver. He caught as many passes in 2017 as I did and the Eagles had little use for him as a passing option. It is a rather big question mark on his profile, but it sticks out as the only demerit at this point. Dillon has feature back size with plus athleticism and an insatiable desire to master his craft.

2018 Outlook: Dillon should easily breeze past last year’s 300 carries, as he enters the season as the clear focal point of the offense. Touches and production will be there. The question will be how active he becomes in the passing game, as well as if he can continue to carry the offense with stacked boxes.

13. AJ Brown, WR Ole Miss Runnin’ Rebels

Profile: Less heralded than DK Metcalf in the 2016 recruiting cycle, it has been Brown who has become the superstar receiver at Ole Miss. Some of his success can be attributed to role. He is locked in as a high volume target in the Rebel offense. He does, however, play it perfectly. He thrives in using physicality and RAC skills to slowly bleed a defense to death. A well-sculpted athlete with strong hands and enough athleticism to get by, Brown could thrive in a big slot role and has enough in the toolkit to play outside as well.

2018 Outlook: Ole Miss is stacked at receiver with Brown, Metcalf, and Damarkus Lodge. They have a talented quarterback. Their defense is in disrepair. They’re not bowl-eligible. They do not have an established runner in the backfield. All these factors figure to make Ole Miss a pass-heavy, score more than your opponent outfit. Brown is poised to post another monster season and will enter the draft with a pristine production profile.

12. Tee Higgins, WR Clemson Tigers

Profile: The next product of Clemson’s receiver factory, Tee Higgins was used sparingly as a true freshman due to an established depth chart but possesses an unlimited ceiling. With a catch radius extending from the parking lot to the concession stands, Higgins is a prototypical contested catch receiver with alpha receiver traits. It will be pivotal for him to add good weight, as he is a lanky athlete whose explosion should grow as he gets more comfortable in the weight room.

2018 Outlook: Gone is Deon Cain, leaving a void atop the Clemson receiver depth chart. Higgins has the makeup and tools to ascend to the top, and Dabo Swinney did not pluck him out of Tennessee to be a complementary piece. Higgins’ true breakout should start upon commencement of the 2018 season.

11. Trey Sermon, RB Oklahoma Sooners

Profile: Trey Sermon has a bit of a throwback game at times. He has the generic video game generated running back build at 6’0” and 222 pounds and he runs mean. He lowers his shoulder and welcomes violence in his game. His power and balance are on display at all times. However, he is far more than just a bruising back. He’s got incredible ball skills for a running back and can change directions without having to gather himself. A lack of elite long speed is really the only negative in his profile, and it is the easiest wart to forgive. Physically advanced and well-rounded, Sermon is a potentially elite running back prospect.

2018 Outlook: Sharing a backfield with Rodney Anderson will limit Sermon’s production profile. Of course, Oklahoma’s juggernaut offense means there is plenty of opportunity to go around. Sermon will get ample work as one of the team’s most talented offensive players and would be a Heisman darkhorse were anything to happen to Anderson early in the year.

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