In the dynamic realm of college football, the emergence of sleeper talents is a thrilling subplot that captures the imagination of fantasy football enthusiasts. As we eagerly await the 2024 season, let’s delve into the stories of five Devy (developmental) sleepers who should be on your radar this offseason.
1. Oscar Delp – Tight End – Georgia
In the hallowed grounds of the University of Georgia, a tight end named Oscar Delp is making waves. Standing at an imposing 6-5 and weighing in at 245 lbs, Delp’s journey from high school standout to a pivotal figure in Georgia’s offense is a compelling narrative.
College Journey and Draft Prospects:
As a 2025 NFL draft-eligible player, Delp is poised to be a central figure in upcoming devy drafts. With the departure of Brock Bowers to the 2024 NFL Draft, the stage is set for Delp to step into a more prominent role in his junior season. The opportunity is ripe for him to make his mark.
College Stats:
Delp’s on-field prowess has steadily built, with notable contributions in the 2023 and 2022 seasons. In 2023, he played in all 13 games, starting nine times, amassing 21 catches for 253 yards and three touchdowns. Noteworthy performances include a 21-yard touchdown in the season opener against UT Martin and a standout game against Missouri.
In the 2022 season, Delp, playing as a reserve tight end, logged five catches for 61 yards and contributed significantly in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against Ohio State. His versatility was on display with a season-best performance against Auburn.
High School Background:
Delp’s journey to Georgia was adorned with accolades from his time at West Forsyth High School, where he was a four-star prospect and the No. 1 tight end nationally. His senior year stats, including 59 receptions, 923 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns, painted a vivid picture of his impact on the field.
Multifaceted Athlete:
Beyond football, Delp showcased versatility by playing lacrosse, underscoring his commitment to honing skills across disciplines.
The Future Unfolds:
As Oscar Delp evolves at Georgia, the prospect of his impact in fantasy leagues becomes increasingly intriguing. With a strong high school foundation and growing college production, Delp is poised to be a valuable asset in the evolving landscape of college football.
2. Ollie Gordon – Running Back – Oklahoma State
In the heartland of college football, Ollie Gordon, a sophomore sensation for Oklahoma State, is carving his niche. Standing at 6-1 and weighing 212 lbs, Gordon’s journey from high school standout to college excellence is captivating.
The College Journey Begins:
As a true freshman in 2022, Gordon wasted no time making his mark. Playing in every game and earning the coveted start in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl against Wisconsin, he laid the foundation for an exciting collegiate career.
On the Stat Sheet:
Gordon’s sophomore season in 2023 showcased growth and prowess, amassing an impressive 1,614 rushing yards and notching 20 rushing touchdowns. His consistency, coupled with 326 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown, demonstrated a multifaceted skill set that keeps defenses on their toes.
Consistency and Explosiveness:
From the outset, Gordon displayed a knack for consistency. A notable season-high of 136 rushing yards against West Virginia and a 65-yard rushing game against UAPB underscored his explosiveness and ability to make big plays.
Versatility in the Air:
Gordon’s impact extended beyond the ground game. With 12 catches for 76 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, he proved to be a reliable target in the passing game. His debut season marked him as a standout in the OSU lineup.
From Trinity to Stillwater:
Before donning the orange and black, Gordon left an indelible mark at Trinity High School, where he was a unanimous four-star prospect. His accolades, including first-team all-state honors and district MVP recognition, foreshadowed the success that would follow at the collegiate level.
The Future Awaits:
As Gordon heads into the upcoming season, the anticipation is palpable. With a year of college experience, a standout debut, and an evolving skill set, he is poised for a breakout season in 2024.
3. TreVonte’ Citizen – Running Back – Miami
From the vibrant city of Lake Charles, Louisiana, emerges TreVonte’ Citizen, a running back for the Miami Hurricanes. Standing at 6-1 and weighing 220 lbs, Citizen brings a potent combination of power and finesse to the field.
High School Highlights:
Before diving into Citizen’s journey at the University of Miami, let’s appreciate his high school days. A consensus four-star prospect, Citizen participated in the 2022 All-American Bowl, showcasing his skills on a national stage.
On the Field and Beyond:
Citizen’s high school accolades include a No. 59 overall player and No. 2 running back ranking by Rivals. His final high school year showcased 743 yards and 11 touchdowns, guiding Lake Charles to a stellar 10-1 record as a junior.
The Next Chapter – University of Miami:
Transitioning to the University of Miami, Citizen faced setbacks in his first two years, recovering from offseason surgery. However, the resilience displayed during this period speaks volumes about Citizen’s dedication.
A Promising Prospect:
Chosen over offers from football powerhouses like Auburn, LSU, Michigan, and USC, Citizen is set to make waves in the Miami Hurricanes’ backfield. As a running back with a powerful frame and a proven track record, he’s a name that sparks curiosity. Fantasy enthusiasts take note—this is a player with the potential to bring excitement to the game.
The Future is Bright:
Keep your eyes on the field as Citizen looks to carve out his place in the storied legacy of Miami Hurricanes football. The future is bright for this Louisiana gem, and the anticipation for his gridiron exploits is palpable.
4. Nico Iamaleava – Quarterback – Tennessee
Nico Iamaleava, the rising quarterback from Tennessee, is poised to leave his mark as the potential starting quarterback for the Volunteers in 2024. Standing tall at 6-foot-6 and weighing 206 pounds, Iamaleava is not just a physical force but a charismatic leader on and off the field.
High School Triumphs:
Pronounced ee-ah-MAH-LAY-ah-va, Iamaleava earned the title of the No. 1 overall player in the Class of 2023 by On3.com. His high school legacy included passing for 1,726 yards and 25 touchdowns in his senior year at Warren High School, earning accolades such as the 2022 Polynesian High School Player of the Year and Offensive MVP of the Polynesian Bowl.
Collegiate Glimpses:
While not NFL draft-eligible until 2025, Iamaleava has hinted at the promise that lies ahead. In his debut against Virginia, he completed 2-of-3 pass attempts and led a scoring drive. Progressing through the season, he continued to impress, orchestrating productive drives and delivering memorable touchdown passes.
Looking to the Future:
As we approach the offseason and devy drafts, keep a vigilant eye on Nico Iamaleava. With a high school legacy, glimpses of brilliance in college, and charisma that sets him apart, he’s a name that could reverberate in fantasy football circles sooner rather than later. The future appears bright for this Tennessee quarterback, and Volunteer fans eagerly await the day when Iamaleava takes the reins.
5. Kaytron Allen – Running Back – Penn State
Unveiling Kaytron Allen: A Personal Look for Devy Drafts in 2024
Reflecting on the 2023 Season:
In the past season, Allen showcased some serious skills on the field. No over-the-top adjectives are needed, just raw stats that tell a story: 851 rushing yards, six touchdowns, 81 receiving yards, and one touchdown. The dude’s a beast. Preseason, he was named to the Doak Walker Award watch list, a foreshadowing of the impact he’d make. Twice, he was the Offensive Player of the Game, a nod from the coaching staff for his standout performances against Indiana and Maryland.
Navigating Through 2022:
Let’s rewind a bit to 2022, where Allen’s contributions earned him an honorable mention All-Big Ten and a spot on the College Football News Freshman All-American list. The numbers? 867 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns, 188 receiving yards, and another receiving touchdown. His versatility didn’t go unnoticed, as he snagged the title of Penn State’s Most Valuable Offensive Player alongside Nicholas Singleton.
High School Days:
Allen’s journey began in high school before he was tearing it up in college. Playing three seasons at IMG Academy, he led the team to a 26-2 record, finishing first in various rankings after the 2020 season. A-Max Preps Freshman All-American and All-Eastern District honoree, his high school resume was as solid as they come.
Looking at the Numbers:
For a guy who’s not NFL draft-eligible until 2025, Allen’s stats are turning heads. Consistent yards per carry (5.3) and a knack for finding the end zone make him a promising devy draft prospect. In high school, over 1,400 rushing yards and 27 total touchdowns in his senior year at IMG Academy set the stage for his college dominance.
Why I’m Excited for Devy Drafts:
Sure, Allen won’t be NFL draft-eligible until 2025, but that only adds to the excitement. The dude’s got potential, and as a fantasy manager, that’s what I’m looking for. His proven high school success, consistent production, and versatility make him more than just a name on the roster. He’s a player I can envision as a cornerstone in my fantasy lineup.
In Conclusion
The collective narratives of Oscar Delp, Ollie Gordon, Trevonte Citizen, Nico Iamaleava, and Kaytron Allen are unfolding before our eyes, and I’m eager to see how their stories continue. As 2024 Devy drafts begin, these are not just players with stats; they are personal picks, individuals who could shape the future of fantasy teams. Keep an eye on these talents because the next chapter in their football journeys promises to be filled with excitement and the potential for fantasy greatness.
YO, thank you for reading my article! I appreciate your support and time. If you’re interested in more devy and dynasty content like this, come check me out! Follow me on Twitter/X @DFF_Woody. #DFFArmy #FantasyFootball #AlwaysBeBuilding #NFL #NFLDraft #NFLTransactions #NFLTrades #AlwaysBeScouting
For Oscar Delp’s portion I would like to shout out Jim’s Devy TE Landscape article that I’ve linked below.
How to pronounce Iamaleava per Nico
Kaytron Allen 2023 Sophomore Highlights
Nico Iamaleava 2023 Orange & White Game Highlights
TreVonte’ Citizen High School Highlights
