Devy 100: 20-16

Rob Willette Posted On September 23, 2020

The tagline here at DLF is telling: There is no off-season. The edict goes double for devy leagues. From the initial Signing Day in December through fall camps in August, there is an overwhelming amount of information to digest in order to make an informed decision. It is what makes it such a challenge yet so rewarding when a prospect you have invested in for years pays off.

The Devy 100 is intended to be a preliminary deep dive into the best dynasty assets college football has to offer. Even with a list this large, there will surely be omissions and plenty of movement throughout the year as players develop a more robust profile. This is not to hedge my bets (well – maybe a tad) but to illustrate the purpose of such a list. Alas, we get to the 100. Feel free to @RobWillette24 with your hate mail, which I will assuredly ignore.

20: Bijan Robinson, RB Texas Longhorns (2023 Draft Eligible)

Profile: A huge recruiting win for Tom Herman and staff, Bijan Robinson is the rare back who can change the fortunes of a program. Robinson epitomizes smooth, as he glides to the second level and puts defenders on skates immediately. His initial burst and ability to change directions are special; he’s already impossible to corral in the open field, before you even take into account the play strength he possesses.

A natural receiver, Robinson could damage defenses in multiple ways, similar to what we have expected from fellow Longhorn Jordan Whittington. There’s always bust potential with highly-regarded runners but it is hard to see Robinson not putting together a strong career.

2020/2021 Outlook: For the first time in years, the Longhorns are deep in the backfield with Keaontay Ingram and converted quarterback Roschon Johnson demanding touches. Still, Robinson is too talented to keep off the field. His freshman campaign should be flowing with highlights as his value steadily climbs.

19: Isaiah Spiller, RB Texas A&M Aggies (2022 Draft Eligible)

Profile: Taking advantage of the early-season injury to Jashaun Corbin, Spiller assumed the starting gig and never looked back, posting nearly 1,000 rushing yards as a true freshman despite the Aggies facing a brutal schedule in the SEC West. Pushing 220 pounds at just over six feet tall, Spiller already has feature back size and utilizes it well; he’s not going to punish defenders but it is not a negative, as he runs tough without exposing himself to the usual punishment.

A gifted receiver, Spiller led all true freshman runners in receptions and showed the ability to contribute in the passing game as more than merely a check-down option. With size, an early breakout, and massive opportunity on tap, Spiller is shaping up as one of the nation’s finest prospects.

2020/2021 Outlook: Jimbo Fisher loves to utilize a lead back, and he has a good one in Spiller. Year three of the Fisher Era figures to be its best yet, and it is anticipated Spiller is a big reason why. He should build off a tremendous freshman campaign.

18: Tylan Wallace, WR Oklahoma State Cowboys (2021 Draft Eligible)

Profile: Throw an object into the air and there is a good chance Tylan Wallace comes down with it. The Oklahoma State product has tremendous ball skills, and the description alone seems too modest. Wallace is highly competitive in traffic and can contort himself to make difficult catches without breaking stride. It is his hallmark, as Wallace can make the impossible look mundane.

A high-level playmaker, there are concerns as he moves to the next level. Wallace tore his ACL in 2019 and has yet to show the consistent ability to work through physical play at the line of scrimmage, though his frame is equipped to handle more muscle and his competitive style portends improvement in this area. Wallace could be a vertical threat WR2 from day one, with WR1 potential long-term for an NFL team.

2020/2021 Outlook: Wallace is back in Stillwater and with a mature offense around him. While the offense may run through Chuba Hubbard, there’s little doubt the always potent Cowboy offense will allow its WR1 to post bananas numbers.

17: Demond Demas, WR Texas A&M Aggies (2023 Draft Eligible)

Profile: One of the best athletes in college football despite being a true freshman, Demas is sure to appear on Bruce Feldman’s Freak List at some point during his career. Despite his length, Demas is not a build-up athlete; he explodes off the line of scrimmage and just plays at a different speed than his competition.

After missing his senior year of high school due to transfer issues, we haven’t seen Demas take the field in official competition for a long time. As expected, Demas simply overwhelms high school defenders with his natural tools but almost plays the game as though they’re drawing up the offense in the sand. He’s good enough to make it work, but we’ve yet to see how he thrives within a more structured system.

2020/2021 Outlook: I’d expect flashes of brilliance from Demas in year one but not the consistent output you’d love to see. The flashes should be plenty, however, to keep Demas’ value afloat as he showcases tremendous natural skills. Demas is a bet on supreme athleticism combined with more than enough workmanlike skills to thrive.

16: Journey Brown, RB Penn State Nittany Lions (2021 Draft Eligible)

Profile: A highlight-in-waiting, Brown is the next Nittany Lion back to play on Sundays. Brown is one college football’s more explosive backs, possessing elite long speed and incredible burst. He can tilt the field in an instant, the type of weapon a defense always needs to be aware of if they’re going to prevent six going the other way.

Brown could use a bit more muscle but another year in Penn State’s vaunted Strength and Conditioning program should resolve any issues with size, and the absence of elite playmaker KJ Hamler should allow Brown more opportunities in the passing game. Brown is already a good player and has the look of an ascending player merely scratching the surface.

2020/2021 Outlook: Big Ten football is back on. It is a critical development for Brown, perhaps one of the biggest names whose stock could deviate wildly based on the 2020 season. Another year of growth moves Brown towards the top of the 2021 running back class.