RADIO
Mike Marteny takes a look at 2024 breakout collegiate stars who will be available in your fantasy football dynasty drafts within the next year or two. Who shined in Week 6 of the 2024 season?
Welcome back to another season of Fantasy Football Dynasty Watch, where I highlight the best and brightest performances from the college football week that was. We had some good games on the college circuit in Week 6 with four top 11 teams losing. Did any of those who pulled upsets make the list?
We will introduce you to these college players earlier than many of your fantasy football league mates. We here at RotoBaller are all about giving you an advantage. If you paid attention to this column last year, you would have known about Kimani Vidal and Xavier Worthy long before their performances at the NFL Combine.
I will highlight one quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end every week of the college season who put up some really big numbers. I'll let you know what it means for your dynasty leagues. Do these guys have NFL futures? You'll find out!
Fantasy Football Dynasty Watch: Quarterbacks
Cam Ward, Miami (FL) (35-53, 437 yards, 2 TD, INT; 6 carries, 15 yards) at California
THEY KEEP SHOWIN’ OUT ??? pic.twitter.com/Fz3CKp5NVV
— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) October 9, 2024
Ward started at Incarnate Word before becoming a star in Pullman. He was lured to Miami with promises that the staff would highlight his abilities for the next level. It's safe to say they have done that (the NIL money doesn't hurt either).
Miami is no longer built on defense. That means the Hurricanes are involved in close games or playing from behind. Meaning Ward is relied on to save the day with his arm. There were rumblings at Washington State that he couldn't come up in the big time on the road. He has shown that he can this year.
Ward has the size (6-foot-2, 223 pounds) to play quarterback in the NFL. He's stout so he can take hits from defensive linemen and get back up. He's quick for his size and has the arm strength to make any throw. Ward has the skills to be a starting quarterback depending on which team he lands on. His decision-making has been much better this year. That has been his biggest improvement over what I saw last season.
Honorable mention: Kurtis Rourke, Indiana; Spencer Petras, Utah State; Eli Holstein, Pittsburgh
Fantasy Football Dynasty Watch: Running Backs
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State (13 carries, 186 yards. 3 TD) vs. Utah State
Ashton Jeanty in 16 quarters of football:
1031 yards
16 touchdownsWe are not worthy pic.twitter.com/rJGQxnNKFo
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 6, 2024
Yeah, it's this guy again. 186 yards on 13 carries is insane no matter who the opponent. You can try and detract all you want, but he had a good day against Oregon as well. All this means is Jeanty will be a little more rested than his peers in this draft. He'll have taken a few less big hits. Since when is that a bad thing?
I heard Roddy Jones compare him to LaDainian Tomlinson this week. I don't disagree. Jeanty is similar in stature and an underrated receiver in the backfield. If Boise makes the playoffs, you'll see a more accurate representation of how he'll be used at the next level.
Honorable mention: Cam Skattebo, Arizona State; Hahsaun Wilson, Charlotte; Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
Fantasy Football Dynasty Watch: Wide Receivers
Jalen Royals, Utah State (9 receptions, 211 yards, 2 TD) at Boise State
JALEN ROYALS pic.twitter.com/eBnHSKhvUX
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) September 14, 2024
I know that isn't from the Boise game, but that highlights the great hands that Royals has. Besides, showcasing that talent against a stout Utah defense is more impressive anyway. Royals has some of the best hands in college and can gain separation. He's a strong route runner and athletic enough to go up and get passes.
At 6-foot and 205 pounds, Royals is strong enough to grapple with corners. His hands will be what keeps him in the NFL. Royals has a good enough vertical to play on the outside despite being a little short for an outside receiver in the NFL. If he improves his run blocking, he can be an every-down receiver.
Honorable mention: Tory Horton, Colorado State; Corey Rucker, Arkansas State; Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona; Andrew Armstrong, Arkansas
Fantasy Football Dynasty Watch: Tight Ends
Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse (10 receptions, 142 yards) at UNLV
Oronde Gadsden II is the best WR prospect from Syracuse since Marvin Harrison
6’5 215 lbs with projected speed in the 4.5s, he posted a 32.1% market share this past szn as a sophomore
His Dad played in the NFL during the late 90’s / early 00’s so he’s got it in his blood pic.twitter.com/XfSMfq4Uxo
— Rob (@Quintorris_) January 28, 2023
The case for best TE in this draft is going to be a close one. It is another strong TE draft. Strong enough that the position may change in the NFL, at least in certain packages. Gadsden and Harold Fannin Jr. are guys you have seen featured here a couple of times already this season and most certainly will again.
This was a big week for tight ends at the college level. Six tight ends led their respective teams in receiving last week. Not all of them will play in the NFL, but many of them will.
Honorable mention: Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green; TJ Sheffield, Connecticut; Tanner Koziol, Ball State
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