Andy Pham

Devy Digest: Monday Musings Week 5

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Devy Digest: Monday Musings Week 5

 


Devy Risers

Texas RB- Jonathon Brooks is someone we've hyped up for multiple weeks now and he turned in another masterful performance, gaining 218 yards on the ground with 2 touchdowns and a nice reception as well. He is an NFL back and is rising by the week.

Houston WR- Sam Brown is someone that always showed potential. He had some character issues last year, but sometimes, it takes a year for everything to click, and he's garnered the trust in the coaching staff and his performance on the field should garner the trust of the devy community. He keeps making plays and is a threat to take the top off the offense.

LSU WR- Brian Thomas has really stepped up for LSU and is making waves to be the 1B to Malik Nabers 1A stature in the program. Thomas jumps off the screen with his ability to get open and make plays. He was written off, but he's made amends and is someone we should get back in on.

Washington WR- Germie Bernard is someone we expected to fill in the outside role if Rome Odunze or Jalen McMillan were to miss time and we saw him fill in nicely against Arizona with specific plays drawn for him to succeed in. This game is a glimpse of what's to come next year. 8 catches, 5 carries and a touchdown. People are buying Ja'Lynn Polk...you should be buying Germie Bernard.

Devy Quandaries

Texas A&M RB- Le'Veon Moss was part of last year's hyped recruiting class and he failed to make an impression. They brought in highly coveted running back Rueben Owens and the backfield had some other guys, yet Moss was the lead back in this game and overall he looked good. Watching him in the Spring game, he bulked up and it appeared he fully understood what he needed to do to become effective in the afternoons and is it time to get back in?

Devy Fallers

Georgia RB's- Andrew Paul and Kendall Milton. Georgia's backfield was loaded 6 weeks ago, but they've been decimated by injuries and this would be the perfect time for these two to step up.  However, they've been dealing with nagging injuries as well. Roderick Robinson has a high ankle injury and should be back in a couple of weeks, and with these two not being able to suit up and get on the field, the back field might just end up being a timeshare for the remainder of the year. That would stunt any devy potential they once had and next year Georgia brings in more running backs.

C2C Names to Watch

Arkansas State QB- Jaylen Raynor is a Freshman who has become the starter and is a dual threat. Two weeks ago he made plays with his feet and with a full week's worth of practice, this past weekend, he made plays with his arm, completing 80% of his passes and threw for 6 touchdowns. He is 22% rostered on Fantrax and he should be on your roster. I would invest 15-46% FAAB (range is higher due to some leagues are 2QB, some are 3QB and some leagues have managers with 10-12QB's and position is void in the waiver pool-if your league has a lot of QB's available that have produced then a simple 7-12% might do the job)

Utah State QB- McCae Hillstead is 3% rostered and he is the starting Quarterback for the program going forward and just led them to a win at UCONN. He has put up solid numbers and is someone to add now and could be a useful starter during bye weeks. I would invest 5-25% FAAB(range is higher due to some leagues are 2QB, some are 3QB and some leagues have managers with 10-12QB's and position is void in the waiver pool-if your league has a lot of QB's available that have produced then a simple 3-7% might do the job)

Oregon State WR- Silas Bolden is currently 5% rostered and he keeps performing at a high level, against a stout Utah defense he put up 153 all purpose yards and 2 touchdowns. Bolden came up huge with big time catches when his team needed someone to step up. I would invest 8-12% FAAB.

Colorado WR- Omarion Miller is currently 7% rostered and although he has bodies in his way, he still should see playing time and as a True Freshman.  You can also be patient with him. I would invest 11-21% FAAB due to fringe devy potential.

Utah State WR- Jalen Royals is 1% rostered and he has formed a connection with the new starting Quarterback McCae Hillstead. He is someone that is a sneaky add that won't cost much and has a lot of upside. I would invest in 0-5% and more than likely a $0 or $1 bid might just do it, unless your league is full of sharps.

Musings wrap up

The USC v Colorado game highlighted a lot of players across both teams that all looked pretty good. It was a shame Zachariah Branch was inactive for the game as that could have been a spotlight game for him. The Alabama offense is making a seismic shift that could affect everyone on that team. Jalen Milroe is being asked to run more simplified schemes to help him read defenses and they are letting him use his legs. Due to this the entire Alabama backfield is taking a hit. RB- Jase McClellan leads the way, with Roydell Williams working as the backup, but neither are giving you performances that would make you feel comfortable from a devy perspective and the receiving room is taking a hit overall due to lack of opportunities. The leader of the group is WR- Isaiah Bond whose looked good when giving the chance but through 5 games, only has 12 catches which leads the team. TE- Amari Niblack looked pretty good, Alabama is scheming him up with push passes and being targeted downfield to utilize the positional athletic mismatch versus linebackers. Texas is clicking on all cylinders as they get ready to face Oklahoma next week. Penn State's RB- Kaytron Allen suffered an injury that we'll need to monitor. Tennessee was waiting for WR- Squirrel White to become the next guy up and he might have finally figured things out and could be the second half type of receiver to make plays after plays in a system that we like the top targets.

Devy Digest: Week 5 Preview

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Devy Digest: Week 5 Preview

Devy Games to Watch

Saturday September 30, 2023

(8) USC at Colorado
For Colorado, they should get the run game going and with RB- Alton McCaskill coming back last week they should utilize him and RB- Dylan Edwards to take pressure off QB- Shedeur Sanders. Quick passes should be in the game plan and let WR- Jimmy Horn Jr and WR- Xavier Weaver create after the catch. For USC, they come in all systems go with QB- Caleb Williams and his receivers that are led by true Freshman WR- Zachariah Branch, WR- Duce Robinson and upperclassman WR- Brenden Rice and WR- Tahj Washington. On the ground RB- MarShawn Lloyd has looked very good, averaging nearly 9 yards per carry.

(22)Florida at Kentucky
For Kentucky, it's about the receivers and WR- Barion Brown and WR- Dane Key are the two assets and the usage this year has been a little interesting. Brown was used in space to create on his own last year, he hasn't been used as that this year and his production has taken a hit. WR- Dane Key has been consistent the entire year. RB- Ray Davis has looked good since transferring over this year. For Florida, the ground game duo of RB- Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson lead the way and help take pressure off of QB- Graham Mertz. WR- Ricky Pearsell leads the way, but exciting true Freshman WR- Eugene Wilson appears to be trending upwards and should suit up in a big time matchup.

Texas A&M at Arkansas
For Arkansas, QB- KJ Jefferson has struggled without his best weapon RB- Rocket Sanders, but Sanders is on track to play this week and would be a big boost for the entire Arkansas offense. Freshman TE- Luke Hasz has looked really good and has stepped up to help KJ Jefferson. For Texas A&M, QB- Conner Weigman is out for the year. QB- Max Johnson has been given the keys once again. WR- Noah Thomas is unlikely to play as well. WR- Evan Stewart and WR- Ainias Smith will be the top two wideouts for Johnson and he just needs to get the ball out of his hands. The only positive for Max Johnson is he has experience.

(24)Kansas at (3)Texas
For Texas, they are piecing it all together, they are loaded at each position and learning how to utilize each skillset . QB- Quinn Ewers looked decisive last week, finding the open guy and letting them create. WR- Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, WR- Jordan Whittington, TE- JT Sanders will be the focal point, it will be nice if they start to sprinkle in true Freshman WR- Johntay Cook II. On the ground it is led by RB- Jonathan Brooks and true Freshman CJ Baxter. For Kansas, QB- Jalon Daniels has been efficient this year and that in turn has made the offense have rhythm. RB- Devin Neal has looked very good running the ball and catching it out of the backfield and creating after the catch. WR- Lawrence Arnold leads the receiving group who will need to get open and help out Jalon Daniels in this matchup.

Clemson at Syracuse
For Syracuse, QB- Garrett Shrader has been a good dual threat this year and has been making plays with his feet when he hasn't found the open receiver. RB- LaQuint Allen continues to make plays each time he has the ball and has shown his soft hands in the receiving game. The wide receivers have done a good job this year and it is led by WR- Damien Alford, WR- Donovan Brown, and WR- Umari Hatcher. For Clemson, QB-Cade Klubnik will need to play better and last weekend without WR- Antonio Williams, true Freshman WR- Tyler Brown stepped up and stood out over WR- Beaux Collins, and WR- Adam Randall. Clemson will need to focus on the run game to control time of possession and RB- Phil Mafah and RB- Will Shipley will have to find openings to take pressure off of Klubnik.

(7)Washington at Arizona
For Arizona, QB- Jayden De Laura left last weeks game and by all indications seems doubtful against Washington. If he were to miss the game, they will need to lean on RB- Michael Wiley to take pressure of the fill in QB- Noah Fifita and give him time to find WR- Tet McMillan and WR- Jacob Cowing. For Washington QB- Michael Penix has been firing on all cylinders and supporting multiple wide receivers that include WR- Rome Odunze, WR- Jalen McMillan, WR-Ja'Lynn Polk.

C2C Games to Watch

Friday September. 29, 2023

Louisville at NC State
For NC State, QB- Brennan Armstrong needs to have a good start early to gain confidence and momentum as they will need to score points to keep up with the high powered Louisville offense. Armstrong will need to rely on true Freshman WR- Kevin Concepcion. Concepcion broke out last week for 6-116-2 and has been the go to target on key plays. On the ground, RB- Michael Allen has stepped up and he'll need to be efficient to keep Louisville's defense honest. Fellow Freshman TE- Juice Vereen has shown glimpses this season and he'll be asked to step up. For Louisville, QB- Jack Plummer has looked very competent in this system and will look to distribute to his top targets, WR- Jamari Thrash, WR- Ahmari Huggins-Bruce, and WR- Kevin Coleman. The ground game is led by RB- Jawhar Jordan.

Saturday September 30, 2023

Boise State at Memphis
For Memphis, QB- Seth Henigan has looked good this season and continues to show flashes. RB- Blake Watson will be leaned on again as he is the leading rusher and leads the team in receptions. WR- Roc Taylor leads the wide receivers in receptions. For Boise State, QB- Taylen Green will need to play mistake free football and RB- Ashton Jeanty will continue to make the most of his opportunities while RB- George Holani is out. WR- Eric McAlister leads the team in receptions.

Devy Digest: Freshman Profile Jalen Hale

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Alabama Crimson Tide

Jalen Hale
6'1" 189lbs
Position: Wide Receiver
High School: Longview (Texas)

Who is Jalen Hale?

Hale was a high 4 star in the composites, who was a three sport athlete where he also played basketball and track and field. He is an above average route runner with good speed and does well after the catch. Hale can create on his own, and tracks the ball well. He is someone who understands the game and finds a way to comeback and get open for his Quarterback when the play breaks down. As a Senior on the football field he hauled in 45 receptions for just over 900 yards and 14 touchdowns, with 2 additional touchdowns on the ground. An accolade that is worth noting is that he was the first true Freshman at Longview to play at varsity level in 15 years. Hale held offers from Texas A&M, Texas, Georgia and other power 5 schools, before choosing Alabama.

Pathway to Success

Coming into the season, it was hard to see Hale making an immediate impact for various reasons that included Alabama rewarding seniority and typically Freshman have to wait their turn to get playing time. Another issue was Alabama had similar type players on the roster. With Long wiry, speed threat guys such as Isaiah Bond and Malik Benson, it appeared he would be at best, 6th in the pecking order. The season hasn't unfolded the way Alabama would have expected. The two top receivers have underwhelmed. Jermaine Burton continues to put up one solid play a game, but doesn't get the target demand to warrant being the alpha in the room. Ja'Corey Brooks has disappeared in games and was last seen on punt coverage. Isaiah Bond had drop issues last year but has seemed to fix that issue, but suffers from inconsistent play. The hyped player was Malik Benson, but he hasn't been able to earn playing time and has not made an impact. Kendrick Law is the gadget type player and Kobe Prentice is more of a depth receiver who has done a nice job. However, none of these guys have stood out and that has led to playing time for Jalen Hale. He played 27% of snaps against Ole Miss and made the most of it with a stat line of 2-63-1. It's worth noting due to how subpar the room has been. He seems to be earning the trust of the coaching staff as the Ole Miss game was an important game for Alabama coming off a struggling performance against USF. He should continue to earn more playing time and as a true Freshman, that is all you can ask for. He showed the SEC play wasn't too big for him and looked good with his opportunities.

Improvements/Concerns

Hale, as it normally is with most true Freshman, will need to improve on play strength and be a willing blocker in the run game. The wide receiver room is a deep, shallow pond right now...too many guys with no true pecking order. There is always a concern that he will make a mistake and fall into the dog house. Quarterback play is another concern, it appears they are stuck with Jalen Milroe for the year and next year, if they don't grab anyone from the portal, they have an incoming freshman that is highly touted, Julian Sayin. Either way, the QB play will need to improve.

Freshman Outlook

Hale got to see playing time and he made the most of it.  He showed good speed and got open for Jalen Milroe. Without a true standout in the receiving room, Hale has the chance to become an integral part of this team. While the schedule gets tougher, if the Ole Miss game was any indication, we could see more of Hale down the stretch. If he continues to make plays, he could force his way to be the alpha of this receiving room next year.

Devy Value

Up until the Ole Miss game, it wasn't looking great. This is a great time to sell and buy. If you don't believe in the situation, you can sell him off the fact that he made a couple of good plays and the rest of the receiving room has struggled. Or you can buy if you believe in what you saw against Ole Miss and bank on him gaining traction with this coaching staff and earning more opportunities.  I like the player, but don't enjoy the situation. For the right price, he would be worth either situation.

NFL Value

Hale is an above average route runner with good speed and a program that gets players into the NFL. He'll have to produce, which, the Alabama receiving room has not done in a couple of years. It's too murky to say right now but if he blossoms into the Alabama WR1, he can earn good draft capital.

Devy Digest: Monday Musings Week 4

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Devy Digest: Monday Musings Week 4

Devy Risers

Syracuse RB- LeQuint Allen has always been a Devy Digest favorite and we are finally seeing the volume that we expected and Allen has produced. He is also showing his hands in the receiving game that we have always loved. He is also a willing blocker in pass protection which checks off another box on him being a viable 3 down back.

TCU RB- Emani Bailey has been someone we featured and he backed up our support by putting up 126 yards on the ground and a nice touchdown against SMU. He has good vision, patient when needs to be and explosive through the hole while being a violent runner who has capable hands. We know TCU likes the feature one back and give them the volume to prove themselves to NFL scouts and Bailey is the next back in line to showcase if he belongs at the next level.

NC State WR- Kevin "KC" Concepcion is here. 6-116-2 including a beautiful 48 yard touchdown grab and scamper. The true Freshman leads the team in receptions and has become the go to option for QB- Brennan Armstrong. We've been championing for him for some time and I would be bold enough to say, we were one of the if not the first to hype him up. What we loved in his high school tape has translated to NC State instantly. He has such a high IQ football player, who always finds the soft spot in his defense. He shows his numbers to his quarterback to make his target bigger and flashes in the open field.  KC is so slippery and fun to watch and an exquisite route runner. He is a name that will only grow and quickly has transformed from a CFF asset to a devy asset in only his 4th collegiate game...truly impressive.

Oklahoma WR- Andrel Anthony is someone that has always flirted with devy potential. A former high recruit at Michigan, who transferred to Oklahoma has benefitted from Keyon Brown being academically ineligible and transferring out and with the majority of that wide receiver room being more of a slot build. Anthony has always been the deep threat, even at his days at Michigan. As a Junior, he still has eligibility left, and has started to find his way at Oklahoma, putting together back to back 100 yard games and is a sneaky buy low opportunity.

Michigan TE-Colston Loveland is someone we've been drastically higher than consensus on and it is due to his unique skill set that will be an asset in the NFL. He is a former Wide Receiver that has transitioned nicely to the Tight End position,as he is a willing blocker and will support in the run game. He is being used in the slot and has been used as an end around and push pass motion guy for Michigan, and will be someone who plays on Sunday's and at a position where it is a vast and wide wasteland. Loveland is someone that projects nicely at the next level and in a Tight End Premium league on the NFL side, will be a nice asset to have.

Devy Quandaries

Boise St RB- Ashton Jeanty is a supreme talent, but G5 running backs becoming devy assets is a long road but is a road that Jeanty is on. He has good hands and has enough wiggle to get to the second level. The question will be competition of play and his long speed versus the premier athlete, but you have to like what he's done so far in his young career.

Marshall RB- Rasheen Ali has been a CFF darling from day 1 and we mentioned how tough it is for G5 RB's to get NFL draft capital but all this guy does is produce, he has a good combination of size and speed and at 6'0" 209lbs, meets the threshold we like for an NFL back. He has good vision and anticipates an open hole, he also has a very nice receiving profile, and he has 3 years of eligibility left. Keep in mind, these G5 guys have to be absolute standouts to garner any NFL draft capital. We mentioned Jeanty earlier and Ali now and these really are the only two guys who have a shot. Both are day 3 type of guys who could turn into key handcuffs at the next level.

SMU WR- Jordan Hudson is someone who isn't being helped by the volume currently, and some could be leery on his devy stock. We expected Hudson to be the second target behind WR- Jordan Kerley but QB Preston Stone is spreading the ball around and not honing in on a target. The Rashee Rice type of production we expected, just simply hasn't been there. I would buy low on Hudson and see what happens next year and beyond. Hudson has looked goof when he's been given the chance, we'd like to see the targets be more funneled than they are now.

Devy Fallers

Florida St RB- Trey Benson- We were always lower than consensus for multiple reasons that included lack of true quick burst acceleration and medical concerns at the next level. He still can't get anything going on the ground. With him getting receiving work, there are Benson truthers out there and you might be able to recoup some value, so if you are currently rostering Benson and want to sell him off. I equate him to a Michael Pittman, as there's always one or two managers in every league that absolutely love him and you can capitalize on that. Florida State has Virginia Tech next week, so you can start to send out feelers this week, hope he has a huge game, and sell him off if you are out on him.

Alabama Receiving Room- Nobody has emerged and we thought last year was bad when nobody stepped up. This year, it's just a hodgepodge of bodies, as the latest guy to step up is true Freshman Jalen Hale. Ja'Corey Brooks has virtually been nonexistent all year long, Malik Benson hasn't been able to find playing time, Jermaine Burton usually has 1 nice catch a game but no volume to sustain his value, Isaiah Bond has been hit and miss in his games, and Kendrick Law is a gadgety type that they don't scheme up. The room is too volatile and nobody is truly a devy asset as of now.

C2C Names to Watch

Colorado St QB- Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi is about 6% rostered and is a Freshman for the program that has secured the job. If you're weak at the position, he should be someone you should think about as we know the system is one that is QB friendly and has good production. There might be other Quarterbacks that are available, but due to service time you'll have, he's someone to consider. 5% or less FAAB budget.

Western Michigan RB- Jalen Buckley has been on this list multiple times now and is still only 41% rostered. He is a CFF machine and only a redshirt Freshman. He needs to be rostered in any format and is worth a good 40-60% of FAAB. He is a set it and forget guy in your starting lineups. Western Michigan is horrible and he is the majority of that offense. Get him now.

San Diego State WR- Baylin Brooks is about 0% rostered and this Freshman had a breakout game against Boise State, this isn't your typical San Diego State defense, this defense is porous and will leak points all Mountain West season and San Diego State will need to keep up with points and Brooks showed glimpses of a potential name to have rostered, as he hauled in 5 catches for 117 yards and a touchdown. He is someone to roster in unlimited waiver leagues and minimal FAAB should be spent.

Clemson WR- Tyler Brown is about 3% rostered and although he will be the 4th receiver on the depth chart and he is gaining the trust of the coaching staff. He filled in greatly for Antonio Williams who was forced to miss the game, but make no mistake, this is a talent that is finding his way on the field. In an unlimited waiver league, he is someone that should be considered for less than 10% of your FAAB.

Musings Recap

A lot of good matchups and names to mention. We saw USC back after their bye week and QB- Caleb Williams continues to shine. Tulane's QB- Michael Pratt came back from injury and helped Tulane to a victory. Missouri's QB- Brady Cook led them to a win and put up good numbers and is getting more comfortable in the system. Washington's QB- Michael Penix continues to put up numbers and making a strong case for possible QB3 of the 2024 draft class. Arkansas RB- Rocket Sanders missed another game but was at least starting to practice the last week and might have a shot at returning next week. Ohio State's RB- TreVeyon Henderson looks explosive with his opportunities and that burst is back. USC's RB- Marshawn Lloyd has looked really good and averaged over 10 yards per carry this past weekend against Arizona State, also from that game WR- Zachariah Branch continues to make an impact as a true Freshman. Speaking of true Freshman, Texas WR- Johntay Cook II made a nice play with a reception for 51 yards, hopefully we see more of him as the season goes on. Florida State's WR- Keon Coleman had another monster game with 2 touchdowns and helping them to a win over Clemson. Western Kentucky's WR- Malachi Corley had another good game and is someone who might forego the rest of his eligibility and go to the NFL, we'll have to see what happens there. Houston's WR- Matthew Golden finally had a nice game and should ease some concerns of devy and C2C managers and we look forward to continue production from him and fellow WR- Sam Brown. A couple of injuries to monitor, Ohio State's WR- Marvin Harrison Jr who came back after his ankle being rolled up on was seen being helped off the field after the game and Missouri's WR- Luther Burden was also hurt, a couple of names to monitor and see if there's any prolonged issues there. All in all, it was a fun weekend and we now look to week 5.

Devy Digest: Week 4 Preview

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Devy Digest: Week 4 Preview

Devy Games to Watch

(4)Florida State at Clemson
For Clemson, QB- Cade Klubnik has looked okay in their non-conference play and will need to bring his best performance to be able to beat Florida State. He'll have a bevy of wide receivers to throw to, including WR- Antonio Williams, WR- Beaux Collins, and WR- Adam Randall and a good running back duo of RB- Phil Mafah and RB- Will Shipley. For Florida State, it's about finding a right balance on offense with QB- Jordan Travis and the passing attack, which will feature WR- Keon Coleman, WR- Johnny Wilson, WR- Winston Wright and TE- Jaheim Bell and the running attack of RB- Trey Benson and RB- Rodney Hill. This game will come down to the coordinators and who schemes up their players best.

(19)Colorado at (10)Oregon
For Oregon, QB- Bo Nix will continue his Heisman case as he'll continue to look for his top targets WR- Troy Franklin, WR- Gary Bryant Jr, WR- Tez Johnson, and WR- Traeshon Holden, this probably isn't a game for highly coveted true Freshman WR- Jurrion Dickey who has yet to see the field. RB- Bucky Irving and RB- Jordan James lead the way on the ground. For Colorado, they will be without sensation WR/CB Travis Hunter, which will hurt them on both sides of the ball. It looks like QB- Shedeur Sanders will need to put his team on his back and try to make plays when needed. WR- Xavier Weaver and WR- Jimmy Horn Jr have really stepped up as key weapons for this offense who likes to deploy quick, short passes and try to have them create yards on their own. RB- Dylan Edwards was able to find his way through the ground last week and will look to improve on that as Colorado will need to be more balanced in conference play. We are still awaiting RB- Alton McCaskill.

(22)UCLA at (11)Utah
For Utah, QB- Cam Rising has not been cleared(at the time of this writing). QB- Nate Johnson has filled in well and is a threat to pass and to run the ball, which is aided by RB- Ja'Quindon Jackson, who was thrust into the starting role when starting RB- Micah Bernard was ruled out for the season. The pass catchers are led by true Freshman WR- Mikey Williams and WR- Money Parks. The tight end play has been led by TE- Thomas Yassmin, as TE- Brant Kuithe has been working his way back from injury. For UCLA, this will be their first test as a team and the first test for True Freshman sensation QB- Dante Moore, who has looked great in his opportunities and makes quick decisions to get the ball out of his hands and when needed, has used his legs to extend plays. He'll be looking for his stand out WR- J.Michael Sturdivant. WR- Logan Loya and WR- Kyle Ford have also been solid options for Dante Moore. Out of the backfield is the duo of RB- Carson Steele and RB- TJ Harden, both have looked great this season and gives the Bruins a balanced attack.

(15)Ole Miss at (13)Alabama
For Alabama, they benched QB- Jalen Milroe and the team did not fair that much better without him as they struggled for much of the game against South Florida to do anything offensively. After that failed experiment, they turn back to Jalen Milroe, who should be given another chance, we'll see how the team rally's behind him. The running attack should be something Alabama leans on, no matter who is taking the snaps under center. RB Roydell Williams looked explosive last week and is the clear RB2, taking that job from RB- Jam Miller. We'd like to see true Freshman RB- Justice Haynes get more work, but we know Alabama likes to reward the guys that have seniority. More than likely it'll be RB-Jase McClellan and RB- Roydell Williams leading the way. The wide receivers have taken the biggest hit with the Quarterback position in flux. WR- Isaiah Bond leads the way with 10 receptions. WR- Jermaine Burton has looked good with his chances and is averaging over 20 yards per reception, they just haven't gotten enough chances. WR- Malik Benson, who probably is the most all around talented receiver, has been relegated to limited snaps and more of the short to intermediate option in this offense which has been neutered by the play calling. For Ole Miss, they need to get right. QB- Jaxon Dart has played really well and has been efficient and smart with his decision making, with a receiving room that has been plagued by injuries. WR- Zakhari Franklin has been plagued by injuries since the spring and WR- Tre Harris was forced to miss last week due to injuries, it's been a revolving door at that position and speaks volumes of the command QB- Jaxson Dart has with this offense. We'd like to see true Freshman WR- Ayden Williams get more opportunities, he made a nice reception in the opening drive last week and didn't have another catch in the game after that. RB- Quinshon Judkins has not looked like his explosive self and has been nagged by injuries. RB- Ulysses Bentley IV has looked fine filling in for Judkins, when he needs to be subbed out, but we'd like to see true Freshman RB- Kedrick Reescano get involved. He's an electric runner with very soft hands and is a threat to take it to the house.

Arkansas at (12)LSU
For LSU, QB- Jayden Daniels played extremely well last week and will need to carry that momentum into SEC play, targeting WR- Malik Nabers is a good way to ensure that. WR- Brian Thomas has been a very solid #2 option in this system and we'd like to see WR- Aaron Anderson get more involved, all offseason we heard how they have set packages for him and want to get him involved as he just moves different from the receivers they have on the roster. LSU hasn't really decided on their run game, some games they lean on RB- Josh Williams, sometimes it's RB- Logan Diggs, and at times they use RB- Noah Cain, whose proven to be inefficient. They do like to use true Freshman RB- Kaleb Jackson when the game is out of reach, so for devy purposes, he is one to hang onto for next year and beyond. For Arkansas, they missed RB- Rocket Sanders last week in their lost to BYU, he has been limited in practice all week and looks to be unlikely to play. QB- KJ Jefferson has looked really good in the system, but the way it is set up, it truly goes through Rocket and sets up KJ to make plays on play action and RPO's, without Rocket, teams aren't respecting RB- AJ Green and RB- Rashod Dubinion. True Freshman RB- Isaiah Augustave is an electric runner with track speed, but is probably not someone who will be used this early on in the season. WR- Andrew Armstong has been leaned on in the passing game to make plays, but he can't do everything all by himself. This game truly depends on if RB- Rocket Sanders is healthy enough to play.

(6)Ohio State at (9)Notre Dame
For Notre Dame, when RB- Logan Diggs transferred out, people were concerned that RB- Audric Estime would be the lead back, but he's been the bright spot in that offense and has looked extremely efficient, averaging ober 8 yards per carry and a team leading 5 touchdowns. QB- Sam Hartman has been the steady heartbeat at the position that they've needed for over a decade. True Freshman WR- Jaden Greathouse has been the possession receiver that we've expected and WR- Chris Tyree has been the threat to take it to the house each time he gets a target. WR- Jayden Thomas has led the team in receptions and WR- Tobias Merriweather has been someone that's on our radar, he has all the tools, just needs to make it work in the afternoons. For Ohio State, they put it together last week against Western Kentucky and QB- Kyle McCord looked really solid and in command of that offense, at the end of the day, all you need to do is toss up to WR- Marvin Harrison Jr and WR- Emeka Egbuka and chances are it will work out. RB- TreVeyon Henderson looked pretty explosive last week and looks to continue that in what should be a great game and a game with a ton of devy assets.

Memphis at Missouri
For Missouri, QB- Brady Cook has full command of this system and has looked very sharp and decisive. WR- Luther Burden has started to run routes and be more than just a glorified Rondale Moore type, and has justified his cost. RB- Cody Schrader leads the backfield. For Memphis, they are led by QB- Seth Henigan, who holds a little devy potential in our eyes. He is quick at processing and has a good arm and mobile enough to extend and create on his own. RB- Blake Watson has been the do it all gadget type back as he is averaging over 7 yards per carry and tied for team lead in receptions at 15. I can see day 3 draft capital for Watson, this is a sneaky devy game.

C2C Games to Watch

SMU at TCU
For TCU, their offense funnels through RB- Emani Bailey who is the lead back for a system that likes to feature a lead back and Bailey has made the best of his opportunities, averaging over 6.5 yards per rush. Bailey is also a threat in the receiving game as well, he has soft hands and has juice to turn it upfield. QB- Chandler Morris is completing over 67% of his passes without a true alpha in the receiving room, and he is a threat in the run game. They'll need to be efficient as TCU's defense is not very good. For SMU, QB- Preston Stone will need to get WR- Jordan Hudson involved early, and often. He only has 5 receptions on the year with 2 of them being touchdowns. The targets have been spread around with WR- Jake Bailey and TE- RJ Maryland lead the team in receptions.

Western Michigan at Toledo
For Toledo, QB- Dequan Finn is the do it all for this offense, he is involved in the run game and as a passer, has been pretty good, completing over 64% of his passes and his leading receiver is WR- Jerjuan Newton, who has a team leading 3 touchdowns. For Western Michigan, they lean on redshirt Freshman RB- Jalen Buckley, who has looked very good with the ball, averaging 6 yards per carry, including a 75 yard touchdown run against Syracuse. He has a bright CFF future.

Rice at South Florida
For South Florida, QB- Byrum Brown is an exciting and electric Quarterback who does it all for his team. His go to possession receiver is WR- Sean Atkins, whose his security blanket. For Rice, multi portal transfer QB- JT Daniels will lean on WR- Luke McCaffrey and RB- Dean Connors is a threat on the ground and in the receiving aspect. This should be a fun C2C/CFF game.

New Mexico State at Hawaii
For Hawaii, they made it out of non conference play and now focus on familiar conference foes. QB- Brayden Schager has looked pretty solid in this modern day run and shoot, his favorite target is one of our favorites, WR- Pofele Ashlock, who has a team leading 27 receptions. Not far behind is WR- Steven McBride, who has 20 receptions and a team leading 5 touchdowns. The run game got a boost when they placed RB- Jordan Johnson into the lineup, if they can have balance, this Hawaii team could make noise in the Mountain West. For New Mexico State, they lean on the run game, with 3 players over 170 yards on the ground. QB- Diego Pavia has been good when he's been asked to throw the ball, the leading receiving threat is WR- Jonathan Brady, who averages over 25 yards per reception.

Devy Digest: Roman Wilson

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Michigan Wolverines

Wide Receiver
Roman Wilson
6'0" 192lbs
Age: 22
Draft Eligible: 2023
Devy Digest WR Rank:39

Who is Roman Wilson?

Wilson was a 4 * in the composites and attended Saint Louis High School in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was part of a program that won 38 games in a row and won 4 consecutive state titles. Wilson held offers from Oregon and UCLA, but ultimately chose Ann Arbor as his home. During his career at Michigan, Wilson has always flashed and showed potential, but there would be games where he just disappeared. This past offseason, his positional coach asked him to step up and become a leader in the receiving room. He garnered much praise during spring and fall camp and Wilson earned the #1 jersey for Michigan, which is reserved for wide receivers who become a leader off and on the field for the program.  Wilson opened the season with 3 touchdowns and is finally putting together the promise he showed as a recruit.

Advanced Metrics courtesy of Campus 2 Canton



I used the Michigan receiving room as the comparison based on volume and scheme, it only seemed fair to do it with the same receiving room and not other teams where they may have more opportunities in a different scheme.

2023 Outlook

Wilson has certainly stepped up and become JJ McCarthy's top wide receiver as he's compiled 6 touchdowns in the first 3 games of the season. Now that conference games are upon us, we'll get to see if Wilson can keep up this production and continue to gain some devy steam. He is the clear cut WR1 in the program and looks to be more consistent than he's ever been. The talent was never the concern, it was the consistency that was never there. As a Senior, he has stepped up when the program has needed him.

Strengths

Wilson has good play strength and he is a good route runner. He does well with body manipulations to get open for his Quarterback. Wilson has a great, quick burst and long speed to sustain the suddenness to evade defenders and he's done much better this year in fighting through defenders and hand fighting. Wilson sinks his hips and has great change of direction, so option routes are his go-to as he can size up what his defender is doing and manipulate him to get open on those option routes and is a good 3rd down receiver due to that. When plays break down, he has very good football IQ to find the soft spot in the defense and find the open zone for his Quarterback to find him.

Improvements/Concerns

Wilson has good hands but does have concentration drops and is not the greatest run blocker...nor the most willing in that aspect, which could limit his ceiling at the next level to be a slot receiver and return man. His inconsistencies throughout his career is also a concern. Perhaps, it just took a little longer for him to realize his potential and contributions to the team in other aspects of the game, but for now it appears that Wilson has put it together.

Devy Value

I would be buying Wilson now. In C2C leagues he is rostered in about 72% of leagues and in limited waiver leagues, he is worth a pick up and you won't have to spend much of your budget. Come 2024 NFL draft, he could very well be a late day 2 or early day 3 guy to have on your NFL side and see how he does at very little cost. As a devy asset, being very little to no risk, he is a buy.

NFL Outlook

Wilson should test very well.  He is 6'0" with verified 4.37 in the 40 yard dash with other verified measurables, such as 4.09 shuttle, 39.10 vertical. Those are very good numbers and with his production as a Senior and likely a Senior Bowl invitee, Wilson should garner some buzz and decent draft capital. I can see Wilson getting the type of rise that Jonathon Mingo and Michael Wilson received this past draft class. Wilson fits today's NFL and the mold that teams are looking for.