Devy 100: 80-76

Rob Willette Posted On May 26, 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.

80: Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State Bison (2021 Draft Eligible)

Profile: Seemingly trending on Twitter every day this off-season, Trey Lance has been a hotter topic than the investigation into the whereabouts of Carole Baskin’s ex-husband. Lance assumed starting duties from Easton Stick and hit the ground running, tossing 28 touchdowns against zero interceptions while leading the Bison to another FCS title. It was a true breakout party for Lance, who demonstrated elite touch at the second level and good mobility for the position.

The production is elite. The tools are there. The competition, of course, is a question mark, though we’ve seen enough players roll through Fargo to know they produce some good football players. I feel there is a bit shiny new toy syndrome with regards to Lance, as we grow fatigued with praise and accolades for Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields. However, Lance is an excellent football player in his own right and should be judged on his own wares. He could easily crash the first-round party in 2021.

2020 Outlook: Can he top his 2019? He could make significant strides in his game and still fall short statistically; his season was one for the ages. He returns as the most visible player at the FCS level, and the rare player who could forfeit multiple seasons of eligibility to jump to the next level.

79: Brennan Eagles, WR Texas Longhorns (2021 Draft Eligible)

Profile: Despite limited opportunity behind Collin Johnson and Devin Duvernay, Brennan Eagles made a quantum leap in his sophomore season. After posting a single catch in his inaugural campaign, Eagles jumped to 32-522-6 in his sophomore season, showcasing the skills required to be an effective power receiver.

Eagles punishes any defender with the audacity to challenge him physically, and possesses plus athleticism despite his huge build. With an experienced quarterback and ample opportunity, Eagles could be a serious riser entering the 2021 off-season.

2020 Outlook: The aforementioned Johnson and Duvernay are moving on. Back is long-term starter Sam Ehlinger. The stars are aligning for a big campaign for Eagles, as he battles rising sophomores Jake Smith and Jordan Whittington for key targets.

78: Charleston Rambo, WR Oklahoma Sooners (2021 Draft Eligible)

Profile: With one of college football’s great names, it is easy to get on board with Rambo as a prospect. It becomes even easier when you watch him play. Rambo launches off the line of scrimmage like he’s George Brett protesting a pine tar ruling, showcasing elite acceleration and smooth long speed which he makes effortless.

With reliable hands and excellent coordination, Rambo has some similar traits to former Sooner Marquise Brown, a convenient comparison for a lazy writer such as myself. Every team can use a skillset like Rambo’s, even if he does not profile as a lead receiver at the next level.

2020 Outlook: Jadon Haselwood’s misfortune bodes well for Rambo. Rambo is the team’s lead receiver following the departure of CeeDee Lamb, and figures to do the heavy lifting along with rising sophomore Theo Wease in the passing game. A strong campaign should lead to a 2021 draft entry for this intriguing weapon.

77: DJ Uiagalelei, QB Clemson Tigers

Profile: While Clemson has crushed the recruiting game at virtually every position, they’ve been at their best when they’ve had a special player under center. It is a simple statement that applies to most programs these days, but both Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence have been among the nation’s best. The next superstud in the ACC could be DJ Uiagalelei, a mammoth quarterback who could be a more refined Cam Newton if you’re one to take pleasure in a touch of hyperbole from time to time.

Uiagalelei attaches a howitzer to his right shoulder and sends footballs hurtling towards teammates at dangerous speeds. He is more than just a renegade under center, however. He demonstrates surprising touch on his intermediate throws and is nimble yet powerful in the open field. Uiagalelei is a factory-made quarterback with immense upside.

2020 Outlook: The main goal for Uiagalalei in 2020 is to push for reps in blowouts and earn the backup gig. He is not unseating Trevor Lawrence under center. He could, however, carve out a Justin Fields-esque role circa 2018 at Georgia. A redshirt seems unlikely given he is a possible three-and-out talent.

76: Jalen McMillan, WR Washington Huskies

Profile: The Huskies have recruited well at the receiver position in recent years, yet they have struggled to identify difference-makers at the position since the John Ross and Dante Pettis era. McMillan should put an end to the struggles.

He was born to play receiver, creating separation naturally and plucking the ball out of midair as though it was never intended to be separated from his hands. His ability to find open space shows itself after the catch as well, as he darts around and past hapless defenders. McMillan is a high-floor receiver with immense upside after a year or two in the weight room.

2020 Outlook: Washington’s receiver room is barren. 2019’s leading receiver was tight end Hunter Bryant, and alpha receiver Aaron Fuller is now with the Seahawks. There is ample opportunity for McMillan to splash early, and it would not be an upset if he cements himself as Jimmy Lake’s top receiver and achieves the coveted early breakout.