Devy Ranks Update: Week Zero

Devy fantasy football rankings update after last week.

Author:
Casey Birch
Publish date:
Aug 25, 2021 8:00 AM EDT

Live college football! That mattered. Well, it sort of mattered.

It certainly meant something to Illinois fans as they pulled off a splendid upset of Nebraska. So much for Scott Frost turning things around this year. If it were a home game, he probably wouldn’t have made it out of the stadium. The remaining games on the slate were unsurprising in their result as college athletic directors called in the softest competition they could find (sorry, Hawaii and UConn fans). Regardless, there were a few nuggets of play and overall news to comment on that might affect the Devy landscape.

Zach Charbonnet, UCLA, RB: UP

UCLA was one of those teams that dialed up a softball competition-wise, thumping Hawaii 44-10 in their week zero matchup. While the competition isn’t spectacular, watching Charbonnet tear up the competition to the tune of six carries for 106 yards and three touchdowns is certainly hard to ignore. Watching the film rather than the box score, it did appear that Charbonnet had a little juice, a little wiggle, a little thump to his game; but by no means did he appear to be the world-beater that the box score might suggest. He’s a slightly agile dozer that continues to run upright with an already large frame. The realistic ceiling based on the film is a runner in the mold of Tevin Coleman or Latavius Murray, and that’s fine; it is. Both went to the NFL and have had long, moderately successful careers. Unfortunately, that type of ceiling just won’t cut it for winning fantasy championships. The good news: not many Devy managers were watching the game. Most will look at the box score, rub their hands, collectively curse Michigan’s coaching staff, and whisper to themselves, “Charbs is back.” He might be, but it’s probably best to wait for him to show out against a team with a competent defense. Devy managers should strike while the iron’s hot and move Charbonnet for a higher-tier prospect despite the rankings hike.

Haynes King, Texas A&M, QB: UP

The last Devy ranks article saw Haynes King moving down on the reports that Zack Calzada took first-team snaps in camp. The team must have simply been giving Calzada a last hurrah. Shortly after that, King was named the starting quarterback. At Texas A&M, King will be surrounded by explosive weapons at every position. Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane at running back, Ainais Smith and Demond Demas at wide receiver, and Jalen Wydermyer and Baylor Cupp at tight end. Not to mention, King himself has all the tools necessary to be a stellar quarterback. On top of an above-average arm, King has the mobility needed to escape the pocket and pick up yards on the ground. Despite the rankings boost, it’s important to remember that the quarterback hit rate in Devy is extremely low. While the starting nod is an encouraging sign, it’s best to have a wait-and-see approach. If King looks the part out of the gate, it might be time to start scooping up a few shares.

Harrison Bailey, Tennessee, QB: DOWN

The past few years, betting on Tennessee players in Devy has been akin to repeatedly sticking a fork into a metaphorical electrical socket. Why should this year be any different? Harrison Bailey was a 4-star quarterback (per 247sports composite) in the 2020 class. At 6’5”, 220 lbs, and coming out of Marietta high school in Georgia, expectations were sky-high. Even as a true freshman in 2020, Bailey was expected to push the previous starter Jarrett Guarantano for the reigns. Bailey did get some playing time in 2020 and, aside from a stellar debut scoring drive, looked relatively lost at the position. Then came the recruiting scandal at Tennessee. Most all of the coaching staff was fired, including head coach Jeremy Pruitt. Many high-caliber players began transferring away or de-committing from the program. One of the few “star” players to stick put was Bailey, and he was surely going to be the starter going into 2021...or not. Transfer quarterback Joe Milton, who was benched at Michigan in 2020 after a handful of poor outings, has been handed the job for week 1. While this doesn’t rule out the possibility that Bailey gets some playing time this season, it is a major indictment on his development. As a result, Devy managers would do well to stick clear of Bailey and consider moving any shares they already have.

Jalen Berger, Wisconsin, RB: DOWN

This is a slight downgrade in Berger’s rank. There’s no reason to panic just yet, but it’s disheartening to see him listed as the second running back on the opening Wisconsin depth chart. To make matters worse, the starting running back listed is Chez Mellusi, a transfer from Clemson in the offseason. Mellusi was on the fringe of getting playing time at Clemson but was surprisingly able to supplant Berger as the lead back quickly. Rumors are that this may be the result of Berger still working his way from an injury. That said, if he’s healthy enough to play, it would certainly be nice to see him listed as the lead back. Based on this information, managers should keep close tabs on the game this weekend against Penn State to see how Berger looks. If he gets limited carries and no news comes out about an injury or keeping him on a snap count, then managers might want to consider selling shares while there’s still a market.

Xavier Worthy, Texas, WR: UP

The Xavier Worthy hype train is reaching terminal velocity. Ever since de-committing from Michigan in April, the reports on Worthy dazzling his new Texas teammates have permeated every crack and crevice of the football Twitterverse. Now, with week one just around the corner, Texas released its depth chart for the first game. Worthy is listed as a starting receiver! It might not be a big deal if a true freshman receiver was starting for a G5 school, but this is Texas. The Texas that just announced that it would be moving to the SEC. It is quite rare to see a true freshman starting for a school of this caliber with the kind of depth they have at the position. At this point, dynasty managers have to start considering whether this 6’1”, 160 lbs. 4-star (per 247 composite) receiver is one of those outlier players that can’t be held back.

Jameson Williams, Ohio State, WR: UP

Too much talent in the Ohio State receiver room? That couldn’t possibly be true. Consistently getting multiple commitments from top-20 receiver recruits year after year does sound like a surefire way to hoard talent at the position. Unfortunately for the prospects competing for playing time, not everyone can make it. Mookie Cooper made the jump first by transferring to Missouri. Then Gee Scott embraced his creative side and switched positions to tight end in the hope of seeing snaps. Lastly, Jameson Williams did the right thing and entered the transfer portal. This is where his story diverges from the norm. Rather than going to a smaller school with ample opportunity, Williams transferred to Alabama. Yes, THAT Alabama! The school that continually produces top-tier NFL receiving talent every single year. The shock doesn’t end there. Alabama just released its first depth chart of the season, and Williams is listed as a starter. It might be a tad early, given that he hasn’t had any game action yet, but managers should take this chance to snap up some shares before the price skyrockets.