It is no secret that one of the most reliable metrics used to predict a football player’s future production is past production. It stands to reason that the earlier a player begins to shine, the more likely that player is to have a meaningful career. This is especially true at the college level where, everything else controlled for, upperclassman have a sizable advantage due to those crucial extra years of physical development after graduating high school.
We are going to dedicate this space to seeking out those productive youngsters who are already making moves with the big boys and proving their mettle. These players represent bets with high expected value moving forward, both in terms of college production and oftentimes NFL draft capital. So without further ado, let’s take a look at five true diaper dandies that made a name for themselves during week 3.
The Freshman
TreyVeon Henderson – Ohio St – RB – 0.9872 247 composite
This is one bad man. This dude has hype coming out of his ears and it is easy to see why. It turns out his 70 yard scamper week 1 was just an appetizer. Week 3 against Tulsa marked the beginning of the feast! Henderson’s full arsenal was on display as he tore up Tulsa to the tune of 24 carries, 277 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Henderson is widely considered the best running back in the class, and is already being drafted in the top 2 rounds of devy and C2C drafts. Look for him to solidify himself as a top 5 devy asset by the end of the season. Most foresaw him seizing the lion share of the Buckeye backfield before the end of the season, however doing so by week 3 is just bonkers. In this game he out carried upperclassman Master Teague 24-14, and relegated the talented Miyan Williams (0 carries) to an after thought. Here he combines agility, vision, burst, footwork, and balance for an electric 48 yard trip to the barn.
Jaxon Dart – USC – QB – 0.9694 247 composite
It is unfortunate to be writing about Dart in this space because it means that Slovis got hurt, thankfully it looks like he avoided major injury. Regardless, opportunity knocked and the true freshman answered the call in a way that nobody could have expected. Dart dropped a USC freshman record 391 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Draper, Utah product also led the team in rushing! He willed the Trojans to a 45-14 thumping of Wazzu, winning the 247 True Freshman of the Week honors in the process. Whether this performance is enough to unseat Kedon Slovis remains to be seen. Slovis is anticipated to return to practice this week. Dart had a clear favorite target in Drake London, peppering him with 17 targets and connecting for two touchdowns. He showcased his arm on this throw, dropping a dime between two defenders over forty-plus yards downfield.
update – Unfortunately Dart looks to have sustained a knee injury during his behemoth performance. He is considered day-to-day but seems a long shot to play Saturday. Slovis has also returned to practice.
Xavier Worthy – Texas – WR – 0.9713 247 composite
The high 4 * recruit had an arrival party of his own, hauling in 7 of 8 targets for 88 yards and a score vs Rice. The next highest receiver had only 3 grabs. The Fresno, CA native had received rave reviews all summer, but we had not seen it translate to success in either of the first two weeks. If he continues to flash, he will likely be a top 50 player in drafts next summer. Worthy’s best play came early in the first quarter when he converted a 4th and 3 and took it 30 yards.
Jack Bech – LSU – WR/TE – 0.8925 247 composite
The TE turned WR has really flashed in his last two games. Having back to back 4+ catch and 50+ yard performances this early into the season is extremely encouraging. On Saturday this bayou boss banked 5 balls for 81 yards and a score. More encouraging than that, he was targeted 9 times, the most for any true freshman in the country. With Corey Kiner (12/74/1 rushing) and Deion Smith (5/125/2) also having stellar performances, it looks like great things could be on the horizon for the Bayou Bengals.
Alton McCaskill – Houston – RB – 0.8851
The former HS track star has wasted no time running through defenses and into the end zone. McCaskill was the highest rated G5 skill position recruit in the class. Given Houston’s backfield depth, he was always supposed to be a future play, however he is already paying dividends. He has 5 touchdowns in the last two games. Against Grambling in week 3, he toted the rock 16 times for 114 yards and two touchdowns. While I am still not sold on his devy upside (G5 backs rarely get day 2 capital), he will likely be taken in the first 120 picks in c2c leagues next offseason.
Quick Hits
Montrell Johnson had 80+ yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground for the Ragin’ Cajuns.
Another week, another strong showing for Jarquez Hunter (Auburn), rushing 9 times for 63 yards against the top 10 Nittany Lions.
Caleb Hood is proving the camp hype was real. 9/66/1 with a 25 yard rush. Kamarro Emmonds is yet to see a carry this year. I also think it is just a matter of time before he supplants career JAG Chandler (yes, he had a great week 3).
Trevion Cooley showed life for Louisville, taking a reception 45 yards for a score. Hope to see him build on this.
Will Shipley already has the lead Clemson back role LOCKED UP. 21 carries, 89 yards, 2 touchdowns vs just 7 carries for Pace.
While it’s been the Blake Corum Show in Ann Arbor, Donovan Edwards reminded people he is #good: 8 rushes, 86 yards, 2 TDs.
Carson Steele is seeing his workload increase, logging 13 carries, 71 yards and finding pay dirt.
Devin Neal seems to have locked down the job at Kansas. Played 67% of snaps this week.
Mason Tharpe, the 6’7” TE for Texas Tech had a strong showing, 3 catches 61 yards and a score.
We also got to see the Ty Thompson to Dont’e Thornton duo flash as the two connected on a 40 yard score!
As mentioned above, two other tFR went off for LSU: Deion Smith had 5/125/2 and absolutely mossed a defender on one of his touchdowns. Corey Kiner ran for 12/74/1.
