Target Acquired: Week Five

Welcome to week five of the 2018 Target Acquired series. If you enjoyed the series last year you’re in for a good time! Dynasty strategy has many layers to it, but one of the more fun aspects of it all is player research and analysis. And whether you play in devy leagues, “normal” dynasty leagues, or just love college football, it’s a blast to dig into some of the best NFL prospects in the country. This series takes a look every week at a mix of college football players who just bolstered their chances of making it to the pros with a stellar performance.

Some will be names you recognize. Others will be the deepest of sleepers that no one knew until yesterday. Regardless, the point is to tuck these names away as you prepare for all of your drafts, trades, and just-for-fun research in the future.

2018 Football is still starting to tell a story on future NFL playmakers and I have my set of “Targets Acquired” for any and every format out there.

Quarterback

Ian Book, Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish were always just a quarterback away from greatness, and it looks like they finally found their man. No disrespect to Brandon Wimbush because he’s a great athlete. But he’s also one of the worst passers in college football. Enter Ian Book.

Book was named the starter at the last minute against Wake Forest and orchestrated nearly a perfect game just two weeks ago. “But it’s just Wake Forest!” Okay. He then followed up that performance by tossing four touchdowns in a 38-17 victory over seventh-ranked Stanford. He may be a bit undersized, but his quick reads, precision, and awareness could definitely make him a pro one day.

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Running Back

Eno Benjamin, Arizona State

When the 2018 season began some were likely nervous that Arizona State would go with a gross committee at running back again. Nope. New coach Herm Edwards saw what he had in Eno Benjamin early and it’s paid off.

Benjamin had nearly 120 yards from scrimmage and a score through the first quarter against Oregon State this past weekend and he was just getting warmed up. He finished the game with a mind-blowing 339 yards from scrimmage (312 on the ground) and four total touchdowns! Benjamin is a feature back with wiggle, burst, long speed, and receiving chops. He is a rising star.

Jermar Jefferson, Oregon State

It’s not too often you’ll see a true freshman running back go for 254 yards, but Jermar Jefferson is just full of surprises. Jefferson had already been dominating most of his competition through four games this season, but he stepped up and carried the Beavers offense by himself this last week. He dropped over 200 yards on Southern Utah, then another 106 against Nevada.

It was clear entering the season Jefferson had an opportunity to make an impact given the other running backs on the team, but no one saw this coming. Jefferson’s still growing into his frame, but plays with power and elusiveness. If he eclipses 1,000 yards as a freshman, he will most assuredly be a top devy option next spring.

Wide Receiver

J.D. Spielman, Nebraska

Redshirt sophomore wide receiver J.D. Spielman was a top 500 (overall) recruit coming out of high school, but somehow only received five official offers. That must have caused Spielman to develop a chip on his slightly shorter shoulder because he sure plays like it. Spielman is a little shorter than your typical lead wide receiver, but that’s exactly what he’s become for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Even though teammate Stanley Morgan Jr. set the school record for most receiving yards in a single season just one year ago, Spielman has surpassed him as the team’s lead option. Through four games, Spielman has four of the team’s five receiving touchdowns and leads the Huskers in receptions. He adds value as a runner and returner as well. Expect a Christian Kirk type profile when enters the NFL Draft.

John Ursua, Hawaii

The high-flying Hawaii offense is the most fun offense that no one knows about. And it’s mainly due to John Ursua. He’s currently on pace to finish the 12-game season with 100 receptions, 1,542 yards, and 24 touchdowns. ICYMI…that’s an insane stat line! But where did he come from? Why is no one talking about him? Well, for one he plays for Hawaii. Many of their games start at 11 pm CT on Saturdays. And two, he missed a ton of time last year due to injury.

He’s slightly undersized, but Ursua has clearly added weight coming into this season, yet hasn’t lost any speed or burst. Ursua plays similar to Randall Cobb and Golden Tate, but can stretch the field a bit more than either when called upon. It will be interesting to see how he’s valued when he likely enters the NFL Draft next spring.

Tight End

Brycen Hopkins, Purdue

The Purdue Boilermakers finally look to have a healthy offense and Brycen Hopkins has been one of the beneficiaries. Hopkins has had a decently productive career already averaging 16.2 yards per reception, but this year he’s taken a leap further. This past Saturday against Nebraska he finally truly exploded with five receptions, 103 yards, and a touchdown.

Hopkins may not have elite athleticism, but he has the 6’5”, 250-pound size that NFL teams want to see. He is a smart player at a position within a scheme that requires him to understand a million different roles. Hopkins is a savvy weapon who just knows how to get open and will probably do so on Sundays as soon as next fall.

IDP (Individual Defensive Player)

Josh Allen, Kentucky (Outside Linebacker)

Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen is going to be the best Josh Allen to come out of college football in the past few seasons and isn’t close (no apologies to the current Bills quarterback). Allen profiles as the perfect hybrid 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE combination player that so many NFL defenses crave. He has a fast first step off the edge rushing the passer and strength to create penetration against the run.

Allen’s also likely going to test well athletically at the NFL Combine. He shows great speed on tape and looks to have some crazy reach with his arms. Allen just posted three sacks this past weekend against a good South Carolina team. There will be more where that came from.

I hope you enjoyed the fifth Target Acquired of the 2018 season! Let me know if you have any questions on any of these guys. If you want me to watch any specific upcoming games closer than others just let me know via Twitter @FF_TravisM. Also, since college daily fantasy is back be looking for some #TouchdownTime videos from me on that via Twitter! Best of luck to you in all of your fantasy leagues!

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