Which Devy Prospects Improved Their Stock During Bowl Season?
The College Football Playoffs crowned another champion in the Michigan Wolverines. Yet again, the college bowl season had some duds because of opt-outs and the transfer portal – most notably the Orange Bowl where Florida State was gutted because of opt-outs. Ohio State was also victim against Missouri in the Cotton Bowl where Marvin Harrison Jr opted out and starting quarterback Kyle McCord entered the transfer portal.
While opt-outs do limit the star performances of those about to enter the draft, the positive is that players returning for the next season get a chance to get a head start and show what we should expect the following year. This is especially important for those in devy fantasy leagues because the upcoming devy drafts are right around the corner. You want to capitalize on the players who could be on the rise and have big seasons in 2024.
Jordan James, RB Oregon
The Oregon offense this year was explosive and one of the reasons was running back Bucky Irving. He had his second straight season over 1,000 rushing yards and pulled in over 50 receptions. Irving actually played in the bowl game vs Liberty, but it was such a blowout that we got to see the next in line. James was the 13th-ranked RB in the 2023 class and had 63 rushing yards on only nine carries against Liberty. He finished the season with over 750 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He only had 15 receptions, which should increase in the starting role next year. Oregon’s offense should continue to excel with transfer quarterback from Oklahoma, Dillon Gabriel coming in next year.
Will Pauling, WR Wisconsin
Wisconsin did not have the best year under new coach Luke Fickell but they are still trying to change their philosophy on offense. Fickell is trying to move into a more balanced attack passing the ball down the field. Pauling followed Fickell from Cincinnati and had a breakout year with over 800 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. Many might now know about Pauling, but he had a huge game in a loss to LSU in the bowl game, with eight receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns. I know that LSU’s defense was suspect but watching the game, you could see the playmaking of Pauling. If he continues to improve in this offense, he could be a sleeper to watch out for next year.
Avery Johnson, QB Kansas State
Johnson was ranked the ninth overall quarterback in the 2023 class and was someone I was very intrigued with and tried to get in as many C2C freshman drafts as I could. He played sparingly throughout the season and was mostly a change-of-pace running threat. After Will Howard entered the transfer portal, Johnson finally got his chance to start against North Carolina State. The passing numbers were not great as he only completed 45% of his passes but he threw two touchdown passes and added 71 yards and a score on the ground. I expect him to improve his passing numbers in 2024 and this ability as a dual-threat makes his potential very interesting and is worth a shot in devy drafts.
Darius Taylor, RB Minnesota
Taylor was a top-30 running back prospect in the 2023 class and started out hot for Minnesota with three straight games over 100 yards to start the season. He suffered injuries after that point and the team really struggled without him. He was finally able to return in the bowl game against Bowling Green and he put on a show with 35 attempts for 208 yards and a touchdown. What is even more amazing is that the Minnesota offense only had 26 passing yards, so the defense knew Taylor was running and still could not stop it. Taylor shows power and vision, with two more years in college he is a player to stash. In college production, he should be one of the top players.
Nico Iamaleava, QB Tennessee
Many were ready to see Iamaleava get the chance to start as he was the second-ranked quarterback in the 2023 class. This year the Tennessee offense took a step back as Joe Milton struggled at times. Finally, Iamaleava got the chance against a good Iowa defense when Milton opted out. His numbers were not eye-popping but he showed athletic ability and was able to score four touchdowns. He showed good zip on passes and quick decision-making. The offense should be exciting to see him developing next year. One of the biggest takeaways for me just was his pocket presence as he took too many sacks. He is a top-tier player who should be taken early in devy drafts with a high upside in this offense.
Noah Fifita, QB Arizona and Tetairoa McMillan, WR Arizona
These two stars at Arizona might not be a s known to all fantasy football players but they should be on radars going into 2024. Fifita took over as the starting quarterback after three games and never looked back. He had five games with over 300 yards including the big win over Oklahoma. Fifita showed poise late in the game to lead Arizona to a big victory with 354 yards and two touchdowns.
McMillan was a top-five wide receiver in the 2022 class and had 700 yards his freshman year and doubled his yards and receptions in 2023. McMillan only had two games over 100 yards in his first nine games of 2023 but ended the season with 649 yards in his last four games including a huge ten-reception, 160-yard performance against Oklahoma. He has great size at 6’4 and can track the ball very well and make contested catches. In the game against Oklahoma, he showed his great ability after the catch as well. He is one to go get early in devy drafts if he is not already rostered.
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