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
Ja’Marr Chase, LSU, Wide Receiver
Since 2000 only five power five wide receivers accumulated more PPR fantasy points in the receiving game than Ja’Marr Chase’s (382) incredible 2019 season. At this point, Chase is likely the first wide receiver to be taken in the 2021 NFL Draft. Chase finds himself on this list due to his lower body strength and his ability to separate. Chase power cleans 330 lbs. without breaking a sweat. He also clocked in at 4.40-seconds in the 40-yard dash. Chase checks all of the boxes. Chase is a great value in devy leagues, but with questions around his offense, new quarterback, and new play-caller we are not sure what to expect from him in 2020 production. Expect regression after one of the most prolific seasons ever, but Chase will continue dominating SEC defensive back this season.
Middle Tier
Simi Fehoko, Stanford, Wide Receiver
Fehoko is an older prospect, who graduated high school in 2018, but then went on a two year LDS mission in South Korea, he came back to Stanford and struggled to acclimate to college football. Over the final seven games, Fehoko had 22 catches for 529-yards and six TDs. With the power of extrapolation, over 13 games that would be 40 catches for 982-yards and 11 TDs. Standing 6’4” and 220 lbs. Fehoko clocked a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. Thus, Fehoko at these figures would have a height-adjusted speed score of 123, only 14 receivers since 2000 have tested better. Don’t be surprised if Fehoko breaks out this season and his value in Campus to Canton leagues skyrockets.
Sleeper
Dareke Young, Lenoir-Rhyne, Wide Receiver
Lenoir-Rhyne gave us the day two surprise safety selection this season in Kyle Duggan brings us Dareke Young. Standing at 6’3” and 215 lbs. Young broke out last season with 850-yards from scrimmage and 12 TDs while playing both as a running back and receiver. This season Young will be featured primarily at receiver where he can use his skill set more effectively. Young jumped 42” vertically and 11’2” in the broad jump so being on an island with a cornerback gives him an advantage with that huge catch radius.
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