Devy 100: 95-91

Rob Willette

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.

95: Jermar Jefferson, RB Oregon State Beavers (2021 Draft Eligible)

Profile: Lost in the depths of the Pacific Northwest, it took Jefferson a minute to cement himself as a viable devy asset. Once he did, however, many flocked to add what was a freshman breakout back at a discounted price. I’m often partial to Pac 12 players due to the discount price based on their time zone, as it takes the less-heralded recruits longer to immerse themselves into the landscape.

Jefferson impressed early with a no-frills running style, emerging as a top back in the Pac 12 despite being a moderately recruited true freshman. Jefferson has the quick feet and decisive running style which allow him to tear through defenders at Midnight, though I wonder if he has the type of standout skill or athleticism which attracts heavy NFL attention.

2020 Outlook: Jefferson has been fed 415 touches over his first two seasons, and there is no reason for Oregon State to ease up on the throttle as he enters his third season. He is the Beavers best back by a long margin with Artavis Pierce moving on. With an early breakout age on his ledger, Jefferson’s production profile figures to look fantastic with a productive junior campaign.

94: Jayden Daniels, QB Arizona State Sun Devils (2022 Draft Eligible)

Profile: As expected, uber-freshman Daniels established himself as the crème de la crème of the Arizona State quarterback depth chart, starting from day one and giving the Sun Devil program a foundational piece as they look to make a leap in year three of the Herm Edwards Era. The designation of dual-threat quarterback out of high school can often lead to a stigma the recruit is a runner first, but Daniels quickly put to rest any concerns he was an insufficient passer, demonstrating accuracy and a loose throwing motion all while complementing his play with his ability to escape the pocket.

Only two interceptions from a true freshman is fantastic, and Daniels looks to have on-field leadership qualities in spades. There’s little to nitpick with Daniels, though his frame needs a lot of maturity and there were a lot of times in 2019 he was simply asked not to lose, understandable for such a young quarterback. An early breakout star with all the tools, Daniels figures to emerge as one of the devy community’s top assets at the position before long.

2020 Outlook: Entrenched as a starter heading into year two, Daniels should only build on his promising freshman campaign. Gone is top target Brandon Aiyuk, but the Sun Devils have done a good job stocking the receiver room with talent. The floor looks like something similar to his freshman season, with the ceiling being a darkhorse Heisman campaign.

93: Trey Palmer, WR LSU Tigers (2022 Draft Eligible)

Profile: Buried on a gifted depth chart, Trey Palmer notched a single catch as a true freshman, coming in the opener. But the idea with Palmer was always to get him ready for 2020, and he looks poised to become another game breaker in the LSU offense.

Palmer has turned heads early in spring practice, showcasing his easy speed and nimble feet to leave an impression on the LSU staff as he works to earn more targets this coming fall. It is always risky gambling on players without a background of collegiate production, but late in the draft you want lottery tickets, and Palmer is it.

2020 Outlook: Justin Jefferson vacates and leaves the big slot role he perfected behind. Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall are established on the outside; Palmer has a great opportunity to work from the slot and at least carve out a piece of the pie in what should be an effective, if watered-down, LSU offense in 2020.

92: Jalen Berger, RB Wisconsin Badgers (2023 Draft Eligible)

Profile: Berger is atypical for a Wisconsin running back recruit. The Badgers have generally leaned on big runners who can work in tandem with a mauling offensive line to control the football game. While Jalen Berger has between the tackles chops, he excels in space as a player who can press the defense as a receiver and dazzle in the open field with agility and creativity.

He’s a mismatch weapon and could even spend a little time as a receiver if he forces his way onto the field. Berger’s an all-purpose weapon more than true running back, and how his career unfolds in Madison will be fascinating.

2020 Outlook: Jonathan Taylor departs, leaving a massive hole in the Wisconsin backfield. Nakia Watson is the presumed successor so his grip on the role is tenuous at best if either Berger or Julius Davis impress. Wisconsin is not a leopard who changes its spots on offense, and for good reason: they know what they are, what they do, and they do it well. Berger may be a round peg in a square hole in Madison, but Paul Chryst is a smart coach. It would seem they had a plan for Berger during the recruitment process. He could easily see time as a true freshman given the depth chart.

91: Jamie Newman, QB Georgia Bulldogs

Profile: Arguably the prize of the transfer portal, Newman arrives in Athens hoping to kickstart what has become an incredibly mundane Georgia offense. Newman is an exciting talent who uses his physicality and athleticism to maneuver in the pocket while looking for open receivers. The former Demon Deacon had surprisingly good talent to work with in Wake Forest but Georgia’s depth of talent should help him find a new level.

Newman is a playmaker with ample arm strength and notable touch. The big question is how much Georgia will modernize their offense. New OC Todd Monken should help, but ultimately Kirby Smart is going to have to set the tone.

2020 Outlook: Newman is starting for Georgia. They’re not working the transfer portal for a high-end quarterback to have him sit behind Dwan Mathis. Newman’s stock can swing wildly in either direction. If he struggles in SEC play, he could be painted as a product of a weak conference. If he thrives, he can push to be the next quarterback off the board after the big two.

rob willette