Devy Players of the Week

CALEB WILLIAMS, QB OKLAHOMA, 2024 ELIGIBLE

True freshman Caleb Williams made his first official start and it was nothing short of spectacular. The 6’1″ 218 lbs., 5-Star, #2 QB in the 2021 class, put on a clinic against Texas Christian University, completing 78.3% of his passes, for 295 yards and four touchdowns. He also added 66 yards and another touchdown on the ground. He looked like a seasoned veteran, picking apart the Horned Frogs defense with a Passer Rating of 243.4. There were questions going into the game, on who would take the first snap at QB, Spencer Rattler or Caleb Williams? Is Rattler still on the team? Will Spencer Rattler transfer? Well, I think is now safe to say, Spencer Rattler will not play for Sooners next season, and will only play for them this season if Williams gets hurt.

Caleb Williams is a true dual-threat QB. In limited action before the TCU game, Rattler had 9 carries for 149 yards and two touchdowns. Williams also does a great job using his athleticism to leave the pocket and extend plays. As seen below, Williams scrambles right and delivers a dart to the back of the end zone for a touchdown.

Caleb Williams has the tools to be a big-time CFB star and the ability to be a fantasy asset in the NFL. Our Devy Rankers were ahead of the curve, and before the Saturday game, already had Caleb Williams as the Devy QB4. However, in the coming weeks, I expect Williams to jump up to QB3, usurping his once highly coveted teammate Spencer Rattler.

Unfortunately, if you are looking to acquire Caleb Williams I believe the buy window has now slammed shut. After the Texas game, there was a window to “buy” due to the uncertainty of the QB situation in Norman, Oklahoma. Now we can see it clear as day, Williams the guy for the Sooners moving forward and his value is destined to rise. I believe it is safe to say Caleb Williams will be a Top-10 pick in the 2024 draft if he stays healthy. He oozes upside and he displayed his super-star talents this past Saturday.

SEAN TUCKER, RB SYRACUSE, 2023 ELIGIBLE

The sophomore RB is listed at 5’10” 210 lbs., but I think he may be shorter than that, which is not a bad thing in my book. What is certain though, is Sean Tucker’s ability on the football field. This past Friday against the Clemson Tigers, Tucker put his abilities on display. The stocky RB rushed for 157 yards on 22 carries and also added two receptions for 20 yards. Sean Tucker has been very productive this year, having just one game in which he failed to eclipse 100 yards rushing. Through seven games, Tucker has 1,172 total yards and 11 touchdowns, which is a bit more total yards than his highly coveted 2023 classmate Bijan Robinson. Now, I am not in any way saying Tucker is better than Robinson. I am just pointing out how impressive his production is so far this year.

Sean Tucker runs with great burst and quickness and strong contact balance. He is a tough player to bring down as he can make defenders miss and runs through arm tackles. He has good long speed, not great long speed. As seen in this run against Clemson, he quickly gets through the first levels but is ultimately chased down.

His speed is adequate, but he is not someone I expect to melt faces at the combine.

Considering his production and abilities shown on film, Sean Tucker is seeing his value rise as a devy asset. He is currently ranked as the Devy RB33, but I expect him to soon surpass this 2023 RB classmates like Chris Tyree, Deamonte Trayanum, Devon Achane, and Demarkcus Bowman. Although his value is quickly rising I believe he is still attainable, because he is not a clear-cut Top-3 RB in the 2023 class. He is still surely behind Bijan Robinson, Zach Evans, Tank Bigsby, and Jahmyr Gibbs. The 2023 class is a strong one, so even the RB5 in the class could end up being a strong dynasty asset.

QUENTIN JOHNSTON, WR TCU, 2023 ELIGIBLE

Listed at 6’4” but only 193 lbs. Johnston is a slender WR with a BMI of just 23.5. The slim WR uses his long frame well though, and he showcased it against Oklahoma, catching seven passes for 185 yards and three touchdowns.

Despite being a long strider, the sophomore elusive and is capable of being a weapon with the ball in his hands. My only real knock on Johnston is his weight. I think it would do him well to put on some weight before entering the NFL.

In four games this season, Quentin has 355 yards and five touchdowns. Even though he has missed two games due to injury, he still leads the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. His per-game dominator rating is an absurd 46%. Johnston is the clear alpha in this offense, something I questioned going into the season. In the offseason, I wrote about Quentin Johnston and I expressed concern that transfer J.D. Speilman could eat into Johnston’s production, but that has not been the case so far. With a strong start to his 2021 season, Johnston has solidified himself as one of the top WRs in the 2023 class. DFF currently has Johnston as the Devy WR23, but come next year he will find himself fighting with Jordan Addison, Marvin Mims, Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Rakim Jarrett, and Josh Downs, for the WR2 position in the 2023 class.

Due to the depth of the 2023 WRs, players like Johnston can be lost in the shuffle, making him a value in Devy drafts and trades. As I alluded to earlier, it would be very beneficial for Johnston to bulk up. DFF’s very own @DynastyDiagnos1 ran some comps, and as you see below, the comps become much better if Johnston can get up close to the 215 lbs. range.

Buying Johnston now while the 2023 WR ranks are still wide open, is a move I recommend. Acquire Johnston and then hope and pray the staff at TCU has him on a good meal and workout plan.

HONORABLE MENTION – TREYLON BURKS, WR ARKANSAS

Burks is a well-built junior, measuring 6’3” and 225 lbs. Treylon is big, strong, and athletic, a deadly combination for a WR. This past Saturday against Auburn, Burks had an impressive 9 catch outing, leading to 109 yards and two touchdowns. His performance was not as good as Quentin Johnston’s but I believe it still deserved mentioning. Through seven games, Burks has close half of the Razorbacks passing offense with a Dominator Rating of 43%. Burks has been a productive WR in his time at Arkansas, but what really has people excited is his freakish athletic ability. He is a big guy that can run fast, jump high, and displays great body control, as seen in the highlight below:

Based on Burks size and speed combo, he has very favorable NFL comps:

Burks is currently DFF’s Devy WR4 and WR3 in the 2022 class. However, I will likely have him as my WR1 or WR2 in the 2022 class when it is all said and done. If someone that owns Burks is willing to sell I would definitely be looking to buy.

Thanks for tuning in again, and I hope you enjoyed the extra tidbit on one of my favorite WR prospects! You can follow me @RookieWhisper for even more content. Make sure to come back next week, as there should be a very talented guest author.