Devy Fantasy Football Rankings: Movers and Shakers

Welcome to movers and shakers, an in-season series from DLF. Each week we choose a different ranking category; top 250 (one quarterback and superflex), devy, and IDP. We then review players from that group who may have risen or fallen substantially from the past month’s ranks and alert you to any relevant changes. Let’s get right to it.

QUARTERBACK

Cade Klubnik, QB CLEMSON TIGERS (DLF RANK: 45 OVERALL, QB9)

With each errant pass thrown by DJ Uigalalei, the calls for Cade Klubnik became louder and louder. Finally – after nearly an entire season – we are embarking on the Klubnik era at Clemson. A composite five-star recruit out of Texas, the true freshman rescued the Tiger offense in the ACC Championship game, going 20-24 for 279 yards and a score as Clemson demolished North Carolina.

Given his recruiting profile, Klubnik was already well-regarded as a devy prospect. However, seeing him put his tools on display has helped him separate himself in what was a loaded class of 2022 quarterback recruits. He hails from Westlake, Texas and went to Westlake High School, the home of both Drew Brees and Nick Foles. His early career trajectory has him on a path to joining them as NFL alums as well, and he is already receiving 2023 Heisman buzz. He could be the next young quarterback to take the next step to stardom, like the player he lined up against in the ACC title game, Drake Maye.

Should Move Ahead Of: Klubnik has an argument to be at the top of his class, moving ahead of other highly regarded quarterbacks such as Devin Brown and Connor Weigman. He also has more upside than some veterans who have experienced past devy hype such as Tyler Van Dyke and Tanner McKee.

RUNNING BACK

Damien Martinez, RB OREGON STATE BEAVERS (DLF RANK: 92 OVERALL, RB32)

Oregon State plucked Martinez out of the heart of Texas and were immediately rewarded as Martinez earned the Pac-12’s Freshman Offensive Player of the Year award for an Oregon State team that surged to 9-3 and closed the season with a signature win over arch-rival Oregon. Martinez saved his best for late in the year, closing with six consecutive 100-yard games as he became the offensive focal point for the Beavers. A well-built runner who was incredibly productive at a Texas high school near Dallas, it is surprising he did not gain more buzz as a recruit, yet the Beavers are not complaining. They may have their foundation back for the next three seasons.

Approaching six feet tall and pushing 220 pounds, Martinez has a lead back frame and complements it with a track background. Add a true freshman breakout, and it is easy to be bullish on his future. Oregon State may be a program on the rise under Jonathan Smith which could greatly enhance the profile of Martinez, already one of the nation’s best young runners despite serious competition.

Should Move Ahead Of: Martinez should cruise ahead of other young backs who have struggled to make their mark to date, notably L.J. Johnson, Emmanuel Henderson, and Jaydon Blue.

Dallan Hayden, RB OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (DLF RANK: 79 OVERALL, RB30)

Traditionally, a composite four-star recruit would be a massive get for any program. Yet when you are Ohio State, these are the players you fill out your roster with and look to develop over the course of their careers. Of course, nobody told Hayden.

Taking advantage of the nagging injuries which afflicted Tre’Veyon Henderson, Hayden took on a larger role than assumed and finished third on the team with 510 yards rushing. Hayden seldom wastes time getting north and south, running with decisiveness and toughness as he picks up chunk plays. With Ohio State’s backfield in question for the College Football Playoff semi-final against Georgia, Hayden could earn a big role on the big stage, propelling him to a massive value boost. As is, he is already a quickly ascending talent with a rapidly evolving game.

Should Move Ahead Of: Much like Damien Martinez, Hayden should move ahead of many of his peers who were ranked ahead of him by the recruiting services.

WIDE RECEIVER

JoJo Earle, wr alabama crimson tide (DLF RANK: 71 OVERALL, WR29)

It just never clicked for Earle at Alabama. He struggled with injuries during his tenure in Tuscaloosa and never found a rhythm when he was on the field, leading him to hit the transfer portal. He figures to garner a lot of interest as a transfer given he had 25 Power 5 offers out of high school, and early transfer predictions have TCU as the favorite.

While Earle still has the high-level athleticism which is the hallmark of his game, two lost seasons have cooled his stock significantly. He has been unable to add the required bulk to his frame due to focusing on rehab as opposed to traditional strength training. There is no reason to wave the white flag on his career as he has ample time to turn things around, but his top 75 DLF consensus ranking is too rich for me when there are so many intriguing talents filling out the college football ranks.

Should Fall Behind: Earle currently lands ahead of several receivers I strongly prefer, including Cedric Tillman (WR30)/Isaiah Bond (WR32)/Rome Odunze (WR41). I am moving many ahead of Earle as we hit this off-season cycle.

Adonai Mitchell, wr georgia bulldogs (DLF RANK: 56 OVERALL, WR21)

After starring late in 2021 for the national champions, Mitchell has just never been right in 2022. He suffered a high-ankle sprain in September against Samford and has played sparingly since, recording zero catches since he was injured and lacking the explosive traits which helped him put together a breakout campaign for the Bulldogs last season. Instead of building on the strong year in advance of his draft eligibility, it has turned into a lost season.

At 6’4” and 190 pounds with the ability to bully defenders or make them look silly off the line, qualifying him as a faller in devy rankings is not an indictment of his talent so much as an acknowledgment we have not seen him at full strength this year and have seen other prospects impress. Mitchell participated in the SEC Championship Game and has time to rest up for the College Football Playoff, which could prove as a great opportunity to remind everyone of how good he is. At the very least, he should have the 2023 season to rehab his stock and rise back up devy rankings.

Should Fall Behind: Similarly ranked players such as Rashee Rice (WR22) and Malik Nabers (WR26) have moved ahead of Mitchell following strong seasons.

TIGHT END

Jalin Conyers, wr arizona state sun devils (DLF RANK: N/A OVERALL, N/A TE)

Oklahoma transfer Conyers had a quiet start to his career before surging late in the Sun Devils season, posting five consecutive games of 47 or more yards after failing to eclipse 25 receiving yards in the season’s first five games. It appears the Sun Devils realized what they had in Conyers as the season went on. When combined with Conyers’ natural ability, it was a breakout waiting to happen.

A fluid athlete with a massive catch radius, Conyers thrives when given space to make a play and demonstrates light feet after the catch. He has already filled out his frame to a significant degree, going from oversized wide receiver out of high school to grown man tight end in college. He is developing rapidly and his devy stock should grow with it as managers go back and review the 2022 campaign.

Should Move Ahead Of: Conyers should move ahead of Jahleel Billingsley, a more well-recognized prospect whose development has gone south.

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