Every year, The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman publishes his College Football Freaks List. This list garners data from college programs and highlights the players that are wowing the staff both on and off the gridiron. In year’s past, we saw names like Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor, Noah Fant, and Todd Gurley, among a long list of defensive studs and offensive line standouts namely Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney. We can garner a lot of information from the list that Bruce puts out, especially in deeper devy and Campus to Canton leagues. Let’s dive into the 2020 College Football Freaks List.
In this series, we will identify a high-value devy player who will likely maintain their high value or rise further. A middling valued player who you can steal and reap the big returns once they test at the NFL Combine, or their pro-day. As well as a sleeper who with a good season of production could return a serious increase in value.
Top-Tier
Frank Darby, Arizona State, Wide Receiver
Arizona State has produced consecutive first-round receivers in the past two drafts and Darby would be the prime candidate for a third. With Aiyuk gone in the draft and Kyle Williams having graduated, Darby slots in as the team’s featured receiver. Last season Darby matched Aiyuk touchdown production with eight and had a more impressive yard per catch mark at 19.9. Darby is 6’1” and 200 lbs. and has wheels, being clocked over 23 mph in-game action on GPS. Darby is a player who should be rostered in deeper devy formats as well as all C2C leagues.
Middle Tier
Tony Poljan, Virginia, Tight End
The former Central Michigan standout committed to Virginia leaving the postponed/canceled MAC for the ACC that is slated to play. Poljan converted from quarterback to tight end and recorded 33 catches for 496-yards and four TDs last season. Poljan is a tantalizing combination of size, strength, and speed that could easily translate to success in the ACC and the NFL. Standing at 6’7” and 260 lbs. Poljan has an impressive bench and squat numbers at 375 lbs. and 515 lbs. respectively. Along with an impressive 4.7-second 40-yard dash that is highlighted by 1.6-seconds in the first 10-yard split.
Sleeper
Dee Eskridge, Central Michigan, Wide Receiver/Cornerback
Eskridge is a special player who teammates speak to as not only the best player on one side of the ball but as the best player on both sides of the ball. This increased exposure, of course leaves Eskridge exposed to more potential injuries, which resulted in a week 4 clavicle injury that ended his season. Eskridge had his best season as a junior when he recorded 38 catches for 773-yards and three TDs. He is a big-play threat, averaging over 20-yards per catch over the past two seasons. He was clocked in at a 4.33-second 40-yard dash in his sophomore season. While he doesn’t have the production to garner high draft capital, his explosiveness and versatility could land him on an NFL roster.
Thank you for reading my article! If you enjoyed it, keep an eye out for my future articles. You can also follow me on Twitter @DynastyDiagnos1 and reach out with any questions, comments, or ideas you’d like me to explore for a new article.
Loved Part Four? Check out Parts One, Two, and Three of the 2020 College Football Freaks!
