Devy 100: 70-66

Malik Willis

Rob Willette Posted On May 10, 2021

Spring is a popular time to embrace #StartupSZN. For devy owners, it is an opportunity to pore through data on incoming recruits and reflect on the previous season which was. Of course, 2020 came with unpredictable and challenging circumstances overall, and we saw this manifest itself on the gridiron.

College athletes were particularly challenged, as delayed or truncated seasons along with contact limitations led to a season not seen in our lifetimes. As such, I am giving it a bit of leeway to true freshmen who failed to make a significant impact. More than any year I can recall, your view of the individual’s talent level plays a bigger role than what we may have seen during a brief 2020 season. These are not excuses to butcher the rankings (unless you buy it as a reasonable excuse) but more an illustration of the unique outlook this past year was approached with.

As always, your mileage may vary. Beyond the very elite, devy rankings are going to be incredibly fluid and unique and the differences should be embraced. Hate mail can be delivered on Twitter, to @FF_TravisM.

70: Malik Willis, QB Liberty Flames (2022 Draft Eligible)

Profile: Willis has gotten early hype as a potential “riser” for 2022, and for good reason. He is arguably the nation’s best running quarterback, and has made major strides as a passer under the tutelage of Hugh Freeze. Willis will routinely take shots downfield, showing off a big arm and the friskiness often seen from the game’s true gunslingers.

A still-developing quarterback – a position that already has a high bust rate – he is far from a safe bet. But you’re looking for upside late in drafts, and Willis has it in spades.

2021 Outlook: Year two should only be better. Say what you want about Hugh Freeze, but the man knows offense. This is the perfect environment for Willis to continue to mature.

69: Carson Strong, QB Nevada Wolfpack (2022 Draft Eligible)

Profile: Living up to his name, Strong is a big, burly passer with an innate ability to hang tough in the pocket as he surveys the field for open receivers. While he is not going to win many footraces, he shows functional mobility in the pocket, deftly moving around to create space and extend the play. Despite his size, Strong does not possess a howitzer, yet his arm is good enough to make the required throws and his combination of release and accuracy is hard to match.

Returning to school was a wise decision, as he has another year to mature physically and mentally within Nevada’s quarterback-friendly offense. A strong start will generate a ton of first-round buzz.

2021 Outlook: A year after tossing 27 touchdowns versus a mere four interceptions, Strong is in prime position to thrive once again in 2021. He is experienced, talented, and gets back top target Romeo Doubs. Production is not going to be a concern when evaluating Strong as a prospect.

68: Joe Ngata, WR Clemson Tigers (2022 Draft Eligible)

Profile: 2020 was essentially a lost season for Ngata, as he limped on and off the field all year during a campaign in which he caught only seven passes. It was not the breakout many expected, with Amari Rodgers, Cornell Powell, and EJ Williams routinely shining with Ngata generally an afterthought. It is fair to give him a pass given he was struggling with an abdominal injury all year, as he looked like a shell of the player he was in 2019.

When he is right, Ngata is a physical, quick-twitch athlete who can separate and dominate at the catch point. He’s a bull at 6’3” and 220 pounds and seldom gives an inch to defenders. 2021 is obviously crucial but his toolkit is one of the best in his class.

2021 Outlook: Competition in the Clemson receiver room is fierce. Justyn Ross returns from a serious injury, Williams was a revelation as a freshman, and the Tigers have their usual large group of gifted young receivers. Ngata will have to work his way back into the rotation, though he was well on his way to lead receiver duties as a freshman.

67: Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, WR Georgia Bulldogs (2023 Draft Eligible)

Profile: Rosemy-Jacksaint was just finding his niche within the Georgia offense when poor luck found its way to him. He was fighting for the end zone in a contest against Florida when a defender hit him low (legally) and broke his ankle, ending his season. The injury was gruesome enough to raise questions about how well he would recover, though early signs are positive when it comes to him being ready for fall.

The ascending sophomore is a well-built receiver who relishes contact. While lacking an explosive gear, he plays with immense physicality and is incredibly strong when in hand combat with a defender. A smooth recovery and added juice could make him a star; as of now, he is an excellent possession target with huge upside.

2021 Outlook: A torn ACL for George Pickens makes the depth chart a bit more fluid, though Georgia is still loaded. Kearis Jackson and Jermaine Burton appear locked into a good number of targets. Rosemy-Jacksaint will have to prove he is healthy and fend off other talented young receivers in order to break out in 2021.

66: Jeremy Ruckert, TE Ohio State Buckeyes (2022 Draft Eligible)

Profile: Long a devy darling despite limited production, Ruckert showed why owners looked beyond production as he dazzled during the College Football Semifinals against Clemson. He caught two contested touchdowns in the game, utilizing his big frame and strong hands to simply dominate in the red zone.

Ruckert has a massive catch radius and elite body control, working between the hashes with fearlessness. The limited production can largely be attributed to Ohio State’s scheme; the tight end is not featured and targets are funneled out wide. Ruckert is a high-end tight end prospect despite a mere 28 receptions over three seasons.

2021 Outlook: While Ruckert’s role should expand, it is difficult to see a genuine breakout campaign given Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson return out wide with a host of young receivers ready for the spotlight behind them. Add in a new quarterback under center, and it is difficult to see him being featured. With ample evidence of playmaking ability and elite recruiting pedigree, however, Ruckert still has day two potential for 2022 and day one upside if he tests at a high level.