Description

Devy Devotional Podcast Episode Notes: Next Man Up

Date: August 13, 2025
Hosts: John Arrington, Andy Starr
Note: Aaron Wilcox was absent for this episode.Introduction

• John Arrington hosts alongside Andy Starr, filling in for the absent Aaron Wilcox.
• The episode focuses on recent injuries in college football, particularly during fall camps, and discusses the "next man up" for key teams, exploring potential replacements and their impact on team dynamics and fantasy football (Devy and CFF).

Key Topics and Discussions1. General Injury Overview

• The hosts discuss the impact of injuries across college football, noting that while some are minor, others could have significant long-term effects.
• The focus is on identifying players who could step up in the absence of injured starters, especially at running back and wide receiver positions.

2. Notre Dame: Keidren Young's Season-Ending Injury

• Injury: Keidren Young (RB, Notre Dame) suffered a season-ending ACL tear.
• Impact: Young was expected to have a role as a spell back for Jeremiah Love, particularly on early downs. His injury disrupts his development and role for 2025.
• Next Man Up: Aneas Williams is highlighted as a potential beneficiary, likely stepping into a larger role in the running back room. The hosts note Notre Dame's limited depth at RB, with only Jeremiah Love, Jadarian Price, and Aneas Williams listed alongside Young on the depth chart (per Our Lads).
• Future Outlook: Young’s injury could push him to re-earn his role in 2026, especially with Love and Price potentially leaving. Concerns arise about Notre Dame recruiting over Young or adding walk-ons to bolster depth.
• Devy Notes: Williams is seen as an electric back with more explosiveness than Young, offering a promising 1-2 punch for 2026 if Young recovers fully. However, the hosts express caution about running back injuries in general, citing examples like Jonathan Brooks and CJ Baxter.

3. Iowa: Kamari Moulton’s Hamstring Injury

• Injury: Kamari Moulton (RB, Iowa) is sidelined with a hamstring injury, missing practice in the week leading up to the episode.
• Impact: Moulton was expected to lead Iowa’s backfield after Caleb Johnson’s surprising 2024 season. A prolonged absence could severely hamper Iowa’s already weak offense.
• Next Man Up: The depth chart behind Moulton is thin, with Jayzeon Patterson, Terrell Washington, Xavier Williams, and Brevin Doll listed. None have shown significant promise, with low big-time run rates and PPR points per touch.
• Discussion: The hosts express concern about Iowa’s running game without Moulton, noting the team’s historical reliance on defense and tight ends rather than offensive firepower. They discuss the addition of FCS transfer quarterback Mark Grunowski, who could add a rushing element, but doubt Iowa will shift to a spread offense under coach Kirk Ferentz.
• Devy Notes: Moulton’s 7% big-time run rate offers some optimism if he returns healthy, but the hosts are pessimistic about Iowa’s offense without him, predicting a potential struggle to reach 200 rushing yards as a team.

4. Florida: Wide Receiver Injuries

• Injuries:
  • Eugene Wilson III (WR) has been limited in spring and fall practices due to an undisclosed injury.
  • Dallas Wilson (WR, true freshman) is in a hard cast for a lower leg injury, expected to miss at least a week or two.
• Impact: Florida’s wide receiver room is depleted, raising concerns about offensive production, especially with a tough 2025 schedule.
• Next Man Up:
  • J. Michael Sturdivant (WR, transfer from Cal): Expected to fill a role similar to Kahleil Dike but has regressed since a 755-yard sophomore season at Cal (2022). His 315 yards in 2024 at UCLA raise doubts about his ability to exceed 300-500 yards in the SEC.
  • Vernell Brown III (WR, true freshman): A five-star recruit with inconsistent camp reports but high athletic potential. He could seize a starting role if Wilson and Wilson are sidelined.
  • Tank Hawkins (WR, true sophomore): Showed promise with a 4.6 average depth of target (A-dot) on limited routes (46) in 2024. Could step up as a possession receiver.
  • Other Names: Aiden Mizell and Khalil Jackson are mentioned but deemed unexciting due to limited production (Jackson had 13 yards in 2024).
• Discussion: The hosts speculate on lineup adjustments, suggesting Eugene Wilson could move to the X-receiver role with Brown in the slot if injuries persist. They emphasize the need for quarterback DJ Lagway to elevate the offense, noting his shoulder and calf injuries as concerns. Florida’s tough schedule and coach Billy Napier’s job security add urgency to getting top players like Brown on the field.
• Devy Notes: Brown is the most exciting prospect for Devy purposes, with potential to break out if given opportunities. Sturdivant and Hawkins are less appealing, with Sturdivant’s decline making him a risky bet.

5. LSU: Wide Receiver Injuries

• Injuries:
  • Nick Anderson (WR, transfer from Oklahoma) is recovering from a quadriceps injury, possibly related to a car accident and concussion protocol.
  • Aaron Anderson (WR) has been sidelined during fall camp, with limited details on the injury.
• Impact: LSU’s deep wide receiver room mitigates the impact, but the injuries could open doors for younger players.
• Next Man Up:
  • Barion Brown (WR): A former Kentucky standout with a strong freshman year, Brown has earned all-SEC preseason honors and praise in camp. He’s listed as a backup flanker but could see significant snaps.
  • Zavion Thomas (WR): Also receiving camp buzz but hasn’t stood out significantly as a receiver.
  • Chris Hilton Jr. (WR): The presumed starter at X-receiver, Hilton has big-play potential (2.5+ yards per route run in three seasons) but only 225 yards in 2024. His role is questioned due to competition from younger talent.
  • Kylan Billiot (WR, true sophomore): A highly-touted recruit listed as third-string behind Nick Anderson. Could see snaps if injuries persist.
  • Teron Francis (WR, true freshman): Nicknamed “Man Child,” Francis has generated hype for his athleticism and camp performance, potentially pushing for a role.
• Discussion: The hosts debate whether veterans like Hilton and Aaron Anderson can hold off younger talents like Billiot and Francis. LSU’s passing game, led by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, is expected to remain strong despite injuries due to the team’s depth.
• Devy Notes: Brown and Francis are the most intriguing for Devy leagues, with Brown offering immediate production potential and Francis as a long-term upside pick. Hilton’s big-play ability is noted but tempered by his limited production.

6. Oklahoma: Running Back Injuries

• Injuries:
  • Taylor Tatum (RB) and Jayden Ott (RB) are dealing with minor injuries, expected to return by Week 1.
  • Xavier Robinson (RB) is also injured, leaving only Javontae Barnes and true freshman Torrey Blaylock as healthy backs in camp.
• Impact: Oklahoma’s running back room is described as “disgusting” due to its lack of proven talent and injury concerns.
• Next Man Up:
  • Torrey Blaylock (RB, true freshman): Has impressed in camp with his speed and explosiveness, potentially earning a role in specific packages.
  • Javontae Barnes (RB): Healthy as of recent reports but hampered by a 2023 foot injury (dead bone removed near his big toe). His 577 yards in 2024 were underwhelming (4.7 YPC).
  • Jayden Ott (RB): A former standout at Cal, Ott struggled in 2024 but could rebound if healthy.
  • Taylor Tatum (RB): A highly-touted recruit with better per-carry metrics than Barnes but limited by inexperience and injury.
• Discussion: The hosts highlight Blaylock’s potential to see the field due to his explosiveness, despite being low on the depth chart. Concerns linger about Barnes’ recovery from his foot injury and Ott’s ability to return to form. The addition of quarterback John Mateer and new offensive coordinator could shift focus to the passing game.
• Devy Notes: Blaylock is a sleeper pick for Devy leagues due to his camp buzz and the weak depth chart. Tatum remains a high-upside prospect, while Ott and Barnes are less appealing due to recent struggles.

Additional Notes

• Aaron Wilcox’s Absence: The hosts humorously note Aaron’s absence, joking about his fear of the “Guess the Guy” segment, which was skipped for the second consecutive week.
• College Football Excitement: With the season two weeks away, the hosts are excited about upcoming games, noting a stronger-than-usual Week 0 and Week 1 schedule.
• Technical Issues: Andy experienced internet connectivity issues during the podcast, briefly dropping out. John’s daughter inadvertently turned off his house lights via voice-controlled devices, adding a humorous moment.

Key Devy Takeaways

• High-Upside Prospects to Watch: Vernell Brown III (Florida), Torrey Blaylock (Oklahoma), Barion Brown (LSU), and Teron Francis (LSU) are highlighted as potential breakout players if injuries create opportunities.
• Injury Concerns: Keidren Young (Notre Dame), Kamari Moulton (Iowa), Eugene Wilson III (Florida), Dallas Wilson (Florida), Nick Anderson (LSU), and DJ Lagway (Florida) face varying degrees of injury risk, impacting their Devy value.
• Depth Chart Analysis: Teams like LSU and Florida have deeper talent pools to weather injuries, while Iowa and Oklahoma face significant challenges if their injured players miss extended time.

Closing

• The hosts thank listeners for their support on Gridiron Ratings’ YouTube channel and Spotify, encouraging engagement through comments and subscriptions.
• They promise to return with Aaron Wilcox for the next episode, as college football season approaches.

Runtime: ~1 hour
Listen on: Gridiron Ratings YouTube, Spotify
Next Episode: TBD, with hopes of Aaron Wilcox’s return and live football discussions.

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