Devy 100: 20-16

Rob Willette Posted On August 30, 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.

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20. Zamir White, RB Georgia Bulldogs

Profile: Deflating late August news from Georgia’s camp left Zamir White owners crestfallen. White tore his left ACL covering a punt, less than nine months after tearing his right ACL near the end of his high school football season. While an ACL is far from the career-threatening injury it used to be, this is still a major blow to what was easily 2018’s top running back recruit. When his knees are intact, the man nicknamed Zeus is your prototypical blend of speed and power. He has been clocked at under 10.6 seconds in the 100-meter dash and at 6’0, 220 pounds is a freight train in the open field. The tools are all there to be a major devy asset from day one. The question now is when day one becomes.

2018 Outlook: A redshirt is in store for 2018. It was always a safe bet he would be eased into action, though he will now get an entire year to watch D’Andre Swift take over this backfield. On the plus side, a full year of recovery time should have him ready to make an impact in 2019.

19. Anthony Johnson, WR Buffalo Bulls

Profile: The devy profile of small school players has grown exponentially over the years. The crown jewel of this year’s Group of Five coalition is Buffalo’s Anthony Johnson, a 2017 breakout after a redshirt season at Buffalo. A sculpted athlete, Johnson is combative after the catch and wisely utilizes his large frame to box out overmatched corners in the intermediate game. Johnson is a gifted possession receiver, which is not meant as a slight. He’s lethal off the line and impervious to defenders at the catch point. Even lacking elite speed, he can shimmy past defenders deep and use his ball skills to make plays in the vertical game. Despite only one year of major college football experience, Johnson is a polished receiver ready for the next level. It is a bit disappointing he returned to Buffalo for his senior season.

2018 Outlook: Johnson posted a 76-1,356-14 line in 2017 despite catching passes from a trio of passers. Tyree Jackson returns after missing four games last season and he has immense upside as a quarterback. Johnson will check the production box with flying colors heading into the 2019 draft.

18. Rodney Anderson, RB Oklahoma Sooners

Profile: Rodney Anderson seemed a mere myth for his first two years on campus. Coaches would rave about his talent and potential, yet injuries conspired to keep him off the field as he managed one single touch prior to 2017. He quickly made up for lost time, pairing with backfield mate Trey Sermon to become one of the nation’s elite backfields. A bruising back with perhaps the most intimidating stride of all college backs, Anderson is powerful and wastes little time barreling upfield. Though he lacks a bit of wiggle, he moves well in the open field and has ample juice. He’s a gifted receiver, showing impressive hands and even the ability to make contested catches. There are few weaknesses to Anderson’s game; durability figures to be the big question mark whenever he chooses to declare.

2018 Outlook: Anderson will once again form a tandem with Trey Sermon, though he figures to be the lead back. They’ll need Anderson’s versatile skill-set as they transition to Kyler Murray under center. Physically talented and a centerpiece of Lincoln Riley’s offense, Anderson is poised to become of college football’s most productive backs.

17. Jalen Reagor, WR TCU Horned Frogs

Profile: Lacking the name panache of some of his peers in the 2017 receiver recruiting class, Jalen Reagor nonetheless flashed elite ability at every turn. The 5’11 and 185 pound Texas product has the smooth acceleration and elite agility you’d expect from a smaller receiver yet plays big. Reagor routinely wins at the catch point and has an uncanny ability to create late separation in his routes. He’s a natural fit for a game which continues to emphasize separation skills and versatility.

2018 Outlook: Reagor demanded touches in 2017 even with more experienced talent ahead of him, and much of said talent is gone with the calendar switching to 2018. He is arguably the Horned Frogs’ top offensive talent and should serve as the top target for new quarterback Shawn Robinson. Reagor’s profile could explode this season as TCU pushes for a Big 12 crown.

16. D.K. Metcalf, WR Ole Miss Runnin’ Rebels

Profile: Few players let alone receivers look more the part than D.K. Metcalf. He is tall, physically mature, and footballs disappear in his hands. Metcalf has incredible length. His fingers may graze the sand when he walks on the beach. His immense potential as a jump ball monster was on display from day one, when Metcalf scored a touchdown on his first reception against Florida State in 2016’s season-opener. He’s a long strider with build-up speed, the type which chews up yardage with ease despite almost looking to be in slow-motion. While A.J. Brown has become the volume-monster out of the slot for Ole Miss, there is a case to be made for Metcalf being the better long-term prospect.

2018 Outlook: Ole Miss is not bowl-eligible in 2018 and they’re looking at what is likely the last year for Jordan Ta’amu, Metcalf, and Brown. They may as well let loose. Metcalf and Brown have had fairly defined roles in the offense, and Damarkus Lodge is a quality receiver in his own right, but there should be plenty of opportunity to go around. Metcalf has been fairly productive when on the field, but a strong close to his career could really cement his case as a high round pick in 2019.

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