Devy Digest: Freshman Profile Kevin Concepcion

Who is Kevin "KC" Concepcion?

A borderline 4* in the composites from North Carolina, Concepcion was a two year starter. As a Senior, Concepcion hauled in 29 receptions for over 500 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also rushed 17 times for 156 yards and two additional touchdowns. Overall, Concepcion finished with over 1,000 all purpose yards and averaged 35 yards per kickoff return. Concepcion also played defense, he lined up as corner and made an impact on that side of the ball as well. Watching his tape, Concepcion is a pure football player and the love he has for the game oozes out on film. Concepcion is an above average route runner, with some savvy body movements to throw the defenders off, he lines up out wide and in the slot. Concepcion is very slippery once the ball is in his hands and looks to make defenders miss and get into the open field. Concepcion chose NC State over North Carolina and comes into Raleigh as the starting slot receiver as a true Freshman in a high octane offense of Robert Anae, who is the offensive coordinator.

Pathway to Success

Concepcion was an early enrollee and was participating in spring camp and received glowing reports that carried over to fall camp and finally was named the starting slot receiver. The coaches were raving about his football IQ and readiness to play early. It was noted that he doesn't make the same mistakes and thrives on coaching. Head Coach Dave Doeren raved about his ball skill and route running.  Also noted was how he finds way to get open for his quarterback. His quarterback is incoming transfer, Brennan Armstrong who has a history with Robert Anae and thrived in his offense; is someone who will help develop Concepcion and improve his chances to thrive early on. NC State's receiving room doesn't have a standout and Concepcion brings a different dimension and has every reason to shine, and make an immediate impact.

Improvement/Concerns

Concepcion has a wiry frame and playing in the slot will help him avoid a lot of punishment, we'd like to see him add on 5-10lbs to be able to handle the punishment in the ACC. Also, will Concepcion be used in the return game or will they bring him along slowly and just stick to the slot and be involved only in 3 wide sets. NC State is projected to finish 7th in the ACC and face 3 preseason top 25 teams, they'll look to keep games close and if so, will they fling it around. We mentioned Brennan Armstrong, he looked lost last year at Virginia and took multiple steps back. Was it due to Robert Anae leaving or did he just not deliver when the team relied on him and put the game on his shoulders.

Freshman Outlook

Concepcion should put up good numbers and be involved in the passing game and should inject some energy in the return game if they put more on his plate early on. Lining up in the slot will be a positive, he won't be pressed at the line and will be able to get a clean release and use his route running and high football IQ to find the soft spot for Brennan Armstrong.

Devy Value

Concepcion has been our favorite under the radar incoming Freshman and he is a buy. In supplementals, he was available in the last few rounds and in startups, he was taken in the later third of drafts. If you have him, he is a hold and I would be looking to buy in C2C formats. He might start as a CFF option but he has every chance to become a devy asset and one should get in on him now before the train takes off.

NFL Outlook

To be determined.