Devy Roundup: Week One

Kyle Holden

Welcome back to the third season of the Devy Roundup! In this weekly series, I highlight the best and worst performers of the past week. Also, I look ahead to next week and highlight my top five games to watch. I even provide a glimpse into my overall devy rankings and take a look at some interesting positional battles shaping up.

Without further ado, let’s dive in and see what the first week of the college season has in store.

MY RANKINGS

Below is a preview of my Top 25 Devy rankings. You can find my full set of rankings here.

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POSITIONAL BATTLES

Below are some positional battles I will be keeping my eye on early in the season to see how they play out.

1.) ALABAMA RUNNING BACKS

With Josh Jacobs and Damien Harris departed to the NFL, the Alabama backfield will look very different this year. Najee Harris figures to see the first opportunity at the lead role but Brian Robinson looked impressive in their spring game. Jerome Ford is also another player I am keeping my eye on. Unfortunately, it appears talented freshman Trey Sanders will likely miss the entire year with a foot injury.

2.) LSU RUNNING BACKS

Clyde Edwards-Helaire returns as a junior, but I am more excited to see how newcomers John Emery (my top freshman running back) and Tyrion Davis factor in. Both backs have good size and athleticism and could be factors early.

3.) LSU WIDE RECEIVERS

Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall were both elite recruits who struggled in their freshman seasons last year. Hopefully, they can develop their games in an improved system under offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger. Slot receiver Justin Jefferson could end up being the most productive of the wide receiver group.

4.) AUBURN QUARTERBACKS

The battle between true freshman Bo Nix and redshirt freshman Joey Gatewood for Auburn’s starting quarterback spot is still undecided. Auburn has some talented players on offense in Seth Williams, Anthony Schwartz, and JaTarvious Whitlow. If one of the quarterbacks can separate themselves the weapons are there to help him have a productive season and climb devy rankings.

5.) TEXAS RUNNING BACKS

Keaontay Ingram was productive as a freshman and figured to lead the backfield for the season opener. However, he injured his knee in the Longhorns’ first scrimmage and opened the door for talented freshman Jordan Whittington to possibly see some playing time earlier than expected. Whittington has already turned heads in camp. He could legitimately challenge Ingram for the lead-back role if he sees enough playing time early on.

MARQUEE MATCHUPS

As usual, many collegiate teams use the first week or two as somewhat of a “preseason,” playing weaker non-conference teams to ease into the new season. As a result, there are not as many marquee matchups as there usually are. However, below are some of the games I will be sure to tune into on this opening week’s slate. You can check out the full week one schedule here.

1.) Georgia Tech @ #1 Clemson – 8/29 @ 8 PM EST on ACCN

This Clemson team should be a treat to watch every week and we get our first glimpse on Thursday night of the opening week. While not everyone will have access to the ACC Network channel, those who do should tune in to catch a sneak peek at potentially one of the most exciting offenses in college football. Trevor Lawrence handing off to Travis Etienne and throwing passes to Tee Higgins, Justyn Ross, Joseph Ngata, Frank Ladson, and others is simply unstoppable.

2.) Florida Atlantic @ #5 Ohio State – 8/31 @ 12 PM EST on FOX

After transferring from Georgia to Ohio State, Justin Fields will make his first college start for the Buckeyes. Do not forget he was right up in the prospect rankings with Trevor Lawrence this time year. He just did not have a chance like Lawrence did.

3.) #3 Georgia @ Vanderbilt – 8/31 @ 7:30 PM EST on SECN

I recently came across multiple reports stating Georgia running back D’Andre Swift was never really healthy throughout his first two years as a bulldog. He still managed to put up two productive seasons nonetheless. A healthy Swift is a scary thought for the rest of college football. He is already near the top of most devy rankings but could push to become a “Saquon Barkley-like” prospect with a big year.

4.) #11 Oregon vs. #16 Auburn – 8/31 @ 7:30 PM EST on ABC

This is a critical year for quarterback Justin Herbert and the rest of the Oregon Ducks. Inconsistencies have hampered them the last couple of seasons but they look to be a serious contender this year. Herbert’s talent and raw skills are undeniable. If he can develop his game and find more consistency the sky is the limit. If not, question marks in his profile could lead to a draft-day slide.

5.) Houston @ #4 Oklahoma – 9/1 @ 7:30 PM EST on ABC

After transferring from Alabama, quarterback Jalen Hurts was recently named the starter for the Sooners. With CeeDee Lamb and Grant Calcaterra returning and the influx of Jadon Haselwood, Theo Wease, and Trejan Bridges, the Sooners could have one of the most talented receiving groups in the nation. Hurts could even end up a Heisman contender.

OTHER NEWS/NOTES

College football is finally back! I hope you all will enjoy it as much as I will. As always, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @KyleHoldenFF with any questions or comments.

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