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NCAA Prospects To Watch: Week 9

Eric Samulski identifies key offensive players to watch in Week 5 of the 2019 NCAA football season. These QB, RB, WR, and TE could be important prospects for dynasty and devy fantasy football owners to monitor.

Mock draft season is heating up with some big-name outlets making major changes to their boards – Joe Burrow vaulting into the top spot for some. While there is still time for even more changes, it makes for an exciting time to watch some of these guys rising up boards in order to see if they’re for real.

This week we’ll continue the new format and focus on players to watch in the Noon, Afternoon, and Night games on Saturday so that you can turn to any game and have a player to focus on.

This series will cover players featured in nationally televised games who could likely emerge as fantasy assets after next year’s draft.

Editor's Note: Explore RotoBaller’s Dynasty Fantasy Football hub for year-round dynasty rankings, trade tips, rookie analysis, and long-term player outlooks. Dominate your league with our sleepers, stash targets, and dynasty draft advice. Click here for Dynasty rankings and strategy.

 

Week 7's Featured Players

Let’s look at how last week's featured players performed:

Trey Sermon, RB Oklahoma – Sermon only received five carries for 17 yards in a game in which the Sooners ran for 197 yards. This is the second week in a row that Lincoln Riley has buried Sermon. I’m not quite sure what’s going on, but some NFL team may get a day three steal in Sermon come April.

Nate Stanley, QB Iowa – Stanley completed 23 of 33 passes for 260 yards and an interception against an average defense. It’s not likely to convince scouts that he’s more than an NFL backup, which means he’s trending to be a late-round pick as a stable but uninspiring option.

James Proche, WR SMU – Proche had a good day in a blowout, catching nine passes for 80 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t break any big plays, but he showed good hands and the consistent ability to get open. He’s looking like a solid early day three selection.

Denzel Mims, WR Baylor – Mims was quiet in Baylor’s win with only one catch for 16 yards. Let’s assume it was an uncharacteristically bad game for the wide receiver and hope he gets back on track, but he’s dropping down boards right now and deep into the day three conversation.

Tyler Johnson, WR Minnesota – Tyler Johnson is good. Six catches for 130 yards and a touchdown may not seem overly impressive against Rutgers, but Johnson is cementing himself as a top-10 wide receiver in this class and a likely day two pick with starter upside.

Patrick Taylor Jr., RB Memphis – Taylor didn’t suit up for this one. We knew it was possible, but it’s still a bummer. He needs to get back on the field to keep raising his stock.

Zack Moss, RB Utah – Moss did everything for the Utes last week, rushing for 99 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries, while also adding 78 yards on three catches. The receiving work will help him climb up draft boards and into the top 15 at his position, which would make him a day three pick with upside.

Brandon Aiyuk, WR Arizona St – Aiyuk only caught one pass, but the Sun Devils only completed four on the night. There’s not a lot to take away in regards to his performance; freshman quarterback Jayden Daniels was just overmatched here.

 

Week 8 Matchup to Watch - Early Games

Appalachian State - South Alabama 12:o0 PM ET

Darrynton Evans, RB Appalachian State – Evans has been an explosive focal point for Appalachian State. He averages almost 18 carries and over 100 yards a game while also scoring ten touchdowns. He has the strength and vision to be effective around the goal line, but he has also returned a kickoff for a touchdown in each of the last three seasons. I’d love to see him be more involved in the passing game because he seems to have the natural tools to succeed there, but he will likely be a late-round pick as a backup running back that could emerge if ever given the opportunity.

Kansas State - Oklahoma 12:o0 PM ET

James Gilbert, RB Kansas State – A transfer from Ball State, Gilbert projects as a change-of-pace back in the NFL. He’s solidly built at 5’10” 200 pounds, which means he doesn’t go down on first contact, and he has the shiftiness in space to avoid defenders. Kansas State hasn’t been using him much as a receiver, but he shows natural ability there. Expect him to be drafted in the late rounds as a part-time player, who could provide a solid fantasy floor if he were thrust into action, much like we’re seeing with former sixth-round pick Ty Johnson in Detroit.

 

Week 8 Matchup to Watch: Afternoon Games

TCU - Texas 3:30 PM ET

Jalen Reagor, WR TCU – Although he’s built more like a running back, Reagor has the upside to be an electric NFL wide receiver. His acceleration is elite. If he was a car, we’d be talking about how quickly he goes zero to 60. He gets in and out of his breaks insanely quickly and has shown solid hands. I liken him to John Brown, who people only think runs deep routes but is a nuanced route runner. Reagor will likely be a day two pick and could be a sneaky fantasy target next year.

Oklahoma State - Iowa State 3:30 PM ET

Tylan Wallace, WR Oklahoma State – Wallace is shooting up draft boards after putting up 772 yards and seven touchdowns in seven games so far this season. While Wallace is not a big receiver at 6’0” 185 pounds, there are few better at attacking the ball in the air. He can also change directions in and out of his routes, which makes him a tough cover despite his lack of physicality at the line of scrimmage. His ability to make contested catches and also get open with his route-running make him a day two pick who could have immediate value in the right offense.

Syracuse - Florida State 3:30 PM ET

Cam Akers, RB Florida State – Coming into the year, the knock on Akers was that he danced too much behind the line of scrimmage and too often looked to make a big play with his elite speed. So far this season, Akers has shown more aggressiveness and the ability to break tackles when he hits the hole. He has already caught 19 passes and three touchdowns after hauling in only 23 passes last year, which is exciting to see. The improvements to his overall game are moving Akers up draft boards as a potential NFL starting running back next year, depending on who drafts him.  

 

Week 8 Matchups to Watch: Night Games

Arkansas - Alabama 7:o0 PM ET

DeVonta Smith, WR Alabama – We’ve talked about the other Alabama wide receivers, so it’s time to give Smith his due. Most people took notice of him when he hung 274 yards and five touchdowns on Ole Miss. What that game showed more than anything is just how fluid Smith is as an athlete. He’s not the elite option that Jeudy or Ruggs is, but he has enough speed and quickness and simply knows how to get open. With the ball in his hands, he has the ability to make defenders miss, which leads to big plays. He’s not going to immediately be a fantasy threat regardless of where he ends up, like his teammates, but he could be a viable option if he gets into an offense that will allow him to create in space.

Cheyenne O’Grady, TE Arkansas – O’Grady began his career with some off-field red flags and was even suspended for the first two games of last year, but he has come into his own on the field this season. On a bad Arkansas team, the 6’4” target is already close to surpassing last year’s yardage totals. If he can keep focused on the field, he has the size and athleticism to be a name to watch at a position that is in dire need of fantasy value at the NFL level. O’Grady won’t have to be taken off the field to block, so he could become a useful option if he can meet the demands and rigors of the NFL.

Air Force - Utah State 10:15 PM ET

Jordan Love, QB Utah State – Love often gets lost in the discussion of big-name quarterbacks with consistent national media attention, but he’s well worth being mentioned after Burrow, Tua, and Herbert. While not a flashy runner, Love has good pocket mobility, makes impressive throws on the run, and shows enough arm strength to zip passes into tight windows. However, he plays “hero ball” a little too much and has already thrown nine interceptions to only seven touchdowns. It’s a major step back, and his ability to read defenses has been a question, so he needs to show improvement if he wants to remain in the conversation for third or fourth quarterback off the board.

More NCAA Football Analysis




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
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SP
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K
DEF