Devy Risers & Fallers: Arch Manning, Travis Hunter, Grayson McCall (Fantasy Football)

Week 3 of the College Football season featured rivalry games, near-upsets and some terrific player performances across the nation. Below, we look at the fallout from the weekend’s action. Who are the week’s biggest devy risers and fallers from the College Football world?

The devy format was first created in the 1990s by Scott Fish of Scott Fish Bowl fame, and it is quickly becoming one of the most popular formats in fantasy football. Devy is often referred to as a “dynasty league on steroids” because you draft and stash collegiate players before they even declare for the NFL Draft.

Devy fantasy football requires a bit more research and projection than your normal dynasty league, but we’ll be here to guide you along the way. Each week, we’ll bring you the biggest risers and fallers from the previous weekend of NCAA Football action and its impact moving forward.

Regarding risers, we refer to players whose perceived value has increased based on their on-field performance. However, when we talk about fallers, we consider several other factors, such as injuries, playing time and even some extenuating circumstances, which can impact a player’s value.

Devy Fantasy Football Risers & Fallers

Devy Risers

Arch Manning (QB – Texas)

With starting quarterback Quinn Ewers sidelined with a strained oblique, Texas quarterback Arch Manning was thrust into the QB1 role against the UTSA Roadrunners. Manning responded with one of the most dominant performances in recent memory.

Manning finished 14/18 for 318 passing yards and four passing touchdowns. He also showed athleticism his uncles, Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, could only dream of, juking defenders en route to a 67-yard touchdown scamper. It’s safe to say Arch Manning got his athleticism from his father, Cooper Manning, and grandfather, Archie Manning.

Ewers seems to have avoided major injury, so expect him back in the starting lineup soon. That said, Texas fans must be buzzing after witnessing Manning’s performance on Saturday. The quarterback position will be in great hands for years to come in Austin.

Travis Hunter (WR/CB – Colorado)

Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter was excluded from my “Top 20 Devy Rankings” this offseason. That wasn’t due to a lack of talent, but because I expected Hunter to concentrate on defense on the next level. After watching Hunter more at wide receiver this season, I’m beginning to rethink that assessment.

While Hunter continues to excel at cornerback, his offensive development this season has been eye-opening. He has already racked up 30 receptions, 342 receiving yards and five offensive touchdowns through three contests. That’s quite the jump from last season’s 57 receptions, 721 receiving yards and five offensive touchdowns in nine games.

With improved offensive production and a wide receiver market booming in the NFL, Hunter will have a real decision to make regarding his NFL journey. While some teams might allow him to play both ways, Hunter will most likely have to choose offense or defense. I selfishly cast my vote for wide receiver.

Devy Fallers

Grayson McCall (QB – NC State)

After transferring over from Coastal Carolina, quarterback Grayson McCall was expected to excel as NC State’s starting quarterback. Three games in, the results have been uneven.

McCall was fine in NC State’s opener against Western Carolina, but it’s all been downhill since then. McCall was overwhelmed and overmatched in NC State’s 51-10 loss to Tennessee. McCall completed 15/22 passing attempts, but he barely broke the 100-yard mark. He also threw one interception and took three sacks.

McCall wasn’t much better against Louisiana Tech (9/13 for 54 passing yards) on Saturday before leaving the game with an undisclosed injury. McCall has already been ruled out for Week 4’s showdown with Clemson and it’s hard to imagine the quarterback becoming devy relevant again this season.

Benjamin Yurosek (TE – Georgia)

This offseason, Georgia fans (and devy writers everywhere) debated over who would replace Brock Bowers. Would it be the incumbent Oscar Delp or Stanford transfer Benjamin Yurosek? As it turns out, the answer is neither.

Both tight ends have been pretty invisible this season, but I’m picking on Yurosek here because Delp (three receptions, 25 yards) has at least contributed something. Not only has Yurosek failed to make a reception this season, but he’s also been a liability as a blocker.