College fantasy football preview: SEC

The 2017 college football season is approaching, and it is hard for a fantasy player to keep track of every player on every team. So with that in mind, over the next few weeks we’ll be rolling out a college fantasy preview, both for college fantasy players and those looking down the road in devy leagues.

It is fitting the series begins with the Southeastern Conference. My wife, who yawns during NFL games, has a feverous passion for Alabama football. It has made me a fan of the conference, where the run game and defense reigns supreme. The SEC is also the most talent-rich conference, consistently churning out elite prospects for the NFL. That doesn’t mean the college statistics are as gaudy as other conferences, but there is plenty of opportunity to mine.

SEC East

Florida Gators

Devy: Tyrie Cleveland, WR – Not draft-eligible until 2019, Cleveland is a top-25 devy asset. An elite speed threat who has solid hands and uses his 6-foot-2 frame, expect a leap in production next year. He only managed 14 catches last year but went from under 10 percent of the team’s snaps to nearly 70 percent by year’s end.

Fantasy: Antonio Callaway, WR – The leading receiver for the Gators, Callaway is a shifty athlete who thrives on short passes, catching 38 of his 54 receptions on targets less than 10 yards downfield. He should take another step forward as the team continues to find ways to put the ball in Callaway’s hands and let him create. His stock to open the year may be lowered by his back-to-back offseason drug offenses, but when he does see the field, keep your eye out.

Georgia Bulldogs

Devy: Elijah Holyfield, RB – I do have Nick Chubb slightly higher, but Holyfield may be the better prospect at this point in time. The son of boxer Evander Holyfield, the runner has a bruising style reminiscent of a fighter. Don’t expect much from him given the crowded backfield, but soon. He is draft-eligible in 2019. Precautionary warning as well, like Callaway, has had off-the-field issues in form of an arrest on drug charges on May 1.