X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Ahead of the Game - College Devy Prospects to Watch (Week 1)

Matt Wispe looks at the top fantasy devy prospects for Week 1 of the college football season. Monitor these NCAA players for dynasty fantasy football leagues.

Let's be very clear about something. Last week was a great appetizer, but the entree that is the college football season has just arrived.

Not only is there a strong slate of college football games lined up for this weekend, featuring several top 25 matchups, but we're also treated to some college football talent that will likely join the pro ranks within the next 12 months.

So while you're enjoying the first full week back, keep an eye on these potential NFL prospects. These top college football players can have future fantasy impacts for dynasty football owners.

 

Quarterback

Khalil Tate, QB Arizona

Week 1 - vs. BYU

It's easy to lump all running QBs into one category, but Tate isn't Lamar Jackson. At least, not yet.  Tate broke onto the national radar with his running ability, but he'll need to increase his passing production to become a true NFL prospect.

Year G Cmp Att Pct Yds Y/A AY/A TD Int
2016 7 18 45 40 243 5.4 3.7 3 3
2017 11 111 179 62 1591 8.9 8.2 14 9

An adjusted yards per attempt (AY/A) of 8.2 is noteworthy because it does exceed the 7.0 threshold that you'd typically look for from a pro prospect. But with rushing yards factored into the equation, it reinforces the idea that he leans some on his ability to make plays with his legs rather than passing first. With the exit of Rich Rodriguez and entrance of Kevin Sumlin as head coach, he should have an opportunity to pass more. In 2017, Sumlin's QBs combined for 449 pass attempts. If Tate can get the 300 attempts, he'd hopefully be able to eclipse 2500  passing yards and if he maintains a 62 percent completion rate, then he could be a legitimate pro prospect.

Year Att Yds Avg TD
2016 49 237 4.8 1
2017 153 1411 9.2 12

While I do think his rushing production overvalues Tate as a prospect, there's no denying the success he had on the ground. His 9.2 average per rush shows an ability to create plays that most pro prospects don't have. Tate is listed at six-foot-two and 215 lbs. If those are accurate, then size won't be a concern. Tate's 2018 season will be critical to demonstrate his abilities as a passer rather than simply a playmaker. And if Arizona hopes to compete in the PAC12 conference, it will likely be on the back of Tate. He's a player to watch, this season, and if he's a true Heisman trophy contender, there's a chance this could be his last college season.

 

Running Backs

Rodney Anderson, RB Oklahoma

Week 1 - vs. Florida Atlantic

Anderson is among the top five or six RB prospects coming into the 2018 season. And that makes sense when you consider the fact that he was a four-star high school prospect and was a meaningful part of a playoff team in 2017.

Rodney Anderson G Rush Att Rush Yds Yards per Carry Rush TD Receptions Rec. Yds Yards per Reception Rec. TD
2015 2 1 5 5 0 0 0 0 0
2017 13 188 1161 6.2 13 17 281 16.5 5

Anderson was considered an all-purpose back when he entered school in 2015 so his usage in the passing game is somewhat disappointing. He averaged over 15 yards per reception in 2017, but handled just over one reception per game. Lincoln Riley proved to be a creative play caller in his first season as Oklahoma's head coach so there's reason to be optimistic about Anderson's potentially larger workload. If that reception average can move closer to two or three per game, Anderson can stand out in the crowd.

He's yet to handle a bell cow workload, but Anderson is highly productive on slightly limited usage. The best case scenario for his pro prospects would include a slight offensive shift to take pressure off of the new QB. If Anderson can eclipse 200 carries and 30 receptions, there's a strong chance that he'll be among the top RB prospects in the class.

 

Devin Singletary, RB Florida Atlantic

Week 1 - at Oklahoma

One of the perks of Lane Kiffin becoming the head coach of a small program is that he helps bring new eyes to the program. And a big beneficiary of the extra attention is Singletary who became a workhorse in the system.

Devin Singletary G Rush Att Rush Yds Yards per Carry Rush TD Receptions Rec. Yds Yards per Reception Rec. TD
2016 12 152 1021 6.7 12 26 163 6.3 0
2017 14 301 1918 6.4 32 19 198 10.4 1

Not only was he among the rushing yards leaders in college football, but he was one of only three players to reach 300 carries in 2017. While his receptions dipped below two per game, he still managed over one per game and improved his efficiency substantially. Another season of similar workload may raise some minor questions about the mileage on his legs, but he's proved capable of handling any workload he's given.

Singletary may be held back by the level of competition for Florida Atlantic so this week against Oklahoma will be important to serve as a showcase against a top team. His five-foot-nine frame could be a slight deterrent for teams looking for reasons to be concerned, but any durability concerns will likely disappear if he duplicates his 2017 output.

 

Wide Receivers

DeMarkus Lodge, WR Ole Miss

Week 1 - vs. Texas Tech (Houston)

It's true that he's not going to be a first round pick consideration like his teammates, but Lodge isn't a slouch. On many teams, he'd be the unquestioned top WR. Unfortunately, he's not even a top two WR on this team.

DeMarkus Lodge G Rec Yds Avg TD MS Receiving Yards MS Receiving TDs Dominator
2015 1 1 12 12 1 0 0 0.02
2016 9 15 203 14 2 0.05 0.1 0.06
2017 12 41 698 17 7 0.18 0.3 0.22

By our normal thresholds, Lodge has yet to breakout during a college season and he's unlikely to reach the ideal career market shares. His TD share in 2017 may turn out to be his biggest selling point. At six-foot-two, his size will lend itself to becoming a big target in the redzone and if he can end his college career with more than ten TDs in his final season, teams may be able to overlook his low yardage totals.

Market share is one of the better indicators for future fantasy success. It's not foolproof, but there have been studies that have shown career market share of receiving yards to be the best statistic to use as a starting point during evaluations. Lodge could be an exception to the rule, but he'll likely need to be one of the combine stars to stand out because he's firmly the WR3 on his own team and without a special final season, it's unlikely he'll warrant a meaningful draft pick. He's worth watching because of his pedigree, but don't expect him to vault into the top 2 rounds of rookie drafts in a potentially deep 2019 class.

 

Hunter Renfrow, WR Clemson

Week 1 - vs. Furman

I'm getting the 3rd year senior, Hunter Renfrow, out of the way early because while he is a meaningful college WR, he's surrounded by a group of talented skill position players who are, primarily, too young to be discussed in this series. Renfrow has been a critical piece during this run of success for Clemson and while he's been a great player on the biggest stage, he doesn't really have much NFL buzz surrounding him entering the 2018 season.

Hunter Renfrow G Rec Yds Avg TD MS Receiving Yards MS Receiving TDs Dominator
2015 13 33 492 15 5 0.11 0.14 0.13
2016 11 44 495 11 6 0.1 0.13 0.12
2017 14 60 602 10 3 0.18 0.18 0.18

Nothing really stands out in Renfrow's stat line. His six touchdown 2016 campaign was promising, but in a high-powered offense, his market share fails to live up to his peers. Barring a ten touchdown final season or a dramatic increase in his yardage efficiency, Renfrow's statistics aren't going to be his selling point.

Renfrow isn't a meaningful pro prospect, but another season productive season could turn him into a team's late round flyer. And if he gets on a roster, he's, seemingly, proven that he can earn a role among other talented receivers. His upside is likely becoming a highly targeted slot receiver in the NFL which will cap his dynasty prospects, but with another productive season, he could turn himself into a draft-worthy asset.

 

Tight End

Tommy Sweeney, TE Boston College

Week 1 - vs. Massachusetts 

Sweeney wasn't my original pick for this spot, but due to an injury elsewhere, I had to find a suitable replacement and Sweeney is to best TE to fill the hole. Tommy Sweeney led all returning TEs in receiving yards in 2017 with 512 on 36 receptions. He may be on a team that will look to feature the run, but his market share numbers put him alongside the best in the nation at his position.

Year G Rec Yds Avg TD MS Receiving Yards MS Receiving TDs Dominator
2015 4 5 68 14 0 0.05 0 0.03
2016 11 26 353 14 3 0.19 0.2 0.2
2017 12 36 512 14 4 0.24 0.3 0.25

Not only did Sweeney lead his team in yards, but also receptions and receiving TDs. It would be ideal if the offense, as a whole, took a step forward for his raw totals, but another season with greater than 20 percent of receiving yards could turn him into a 2019's Hayden Hurst who emerged late.

Sweeney wasn't a four- or five-star prospect when he decided to join Boston College, but he's produced since being given an opportunity. His final season and post-season workouts will largely drive his NFL draft value, but he's already proven capable of being a valuable receiving option.

More NCAA Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Nick Nash

Unlikely to Make Falcons Active Roster
Lane Johnson

in No Rush To Retire
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Blake Corum

has "Gotten His Speed Back"
Jarquez Hunter

Picking Up Rams Offense Quickly
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Kirk Cousins

Feels Misled by Falcons
Bijan Robinson

Says Falcons Have "Outlandish Goals" for the Running Game
Luther Burden III

Bears Expect Luther Burden III to be Ready for Training Camp
Cole Kmet

an Unlikely Trade Piece
Tony Pollard

Titans Hope to Balance Rushing Attack With Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Quentin Johnston

Not Assured of Starting Role
Cordarrelle Patterson

on the Roster Bubble in Pittsburgh?
Shedeur Sanders

Not Assured of Roster Spot in Cleveland?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Hoping For More Downfield Opportunities
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome on the Trade Block?
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Zach Tom

An Extension Candidate in Green Bay
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Trevor Williams

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Kyren Williams

Rams Not Willing to Pay Kyren Williams Top-Market Money?
Byron Buxton

Exits After Hit-by-Pitch, X-Rays Negative
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing on Wednesday
Alex Bregman

has "Really Good Chance" to Return Before All-Star Break
Christian Kirk

the No. 2 WR in Houston?
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Expected to Return on Friday
Jerome Ford

the Likely Starter for Cleveland to Begin 2025
Chig Okonkwo

"Poised" for Best Season of Career
Xavier Watts

Falcons High on Xavier Watts
Xavier Restrepo

Training With Star Wideouts
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Carter Bryant

Struggles in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Drops a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder

Malevy Leons Logs Impressive Summer League Outing on Tuesday
Dalton Knecht

Collects 25 Points in Lakers Summer League Win
Los Angeles Lakers

Darius Bazley Drops 27 Points in Summer League on Tuesday
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Chet Holmgren

Agrees to Rookie Max Extension
Alex Bregman

Not Returning Wednesday
Jhoan Duran

Unavailable Due to Illness
Shane McClanahan

Tosses Clean Frame in First Rehab Appearance
Jacob Wilson

Day-to-Day After HBP
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Reassessed Wednesday
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Malaki Branham

Traded to Washington
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Blake Wesley

Moves to Washington
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Kelly Olynyk

on the Move Again
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Cal Raleigh

Continues Historic Homer Pace Tuesday
Jacob Wilson

Exits Early On Tuesday With Left Hand Contusion
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
Luis Garcia

Fans Four in Rehab Outing
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
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
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF