According to Dictionary.com, the term Second Fiddle is defined as follows: a person or thing filling a secondary role, especially to one immediately superior. I’m going to highlight some fantasy football devy names who I believe are closer to equals, but are perceived as “Second Fiddle” to their very talented teammates.
Emeka Egbuka
While Emeka Egbuka is no stranger to Devy players, as the consensus WR2, he is rarely mentioned in the same breath as teammate Marvin Harrison Jr. Boasting a skill set that allows him to excel both from the slot and on the boundary, Egbuka had one of the best seasons we’ve seen from an Ohio State wide receiver. Egbuka eclipsed 1,100 receiving yards as a Sophomore, and posted nearly identical statistics to Harrison. He also showed off his versatility by adding 87 rushing yards and 2 scores on the ground. While Harrison receives most of the hype, Egbuka should certainly be a priority target of Devy drafters. Don’t be surprised to hear his name called early on NFL draft night in 2024.
Kaytron Allen
While Nicholas Singleton soars up Devy draft boards – currently RB3 and sixth prospect overall – according to Campus2Canton, Kaytron Allen has taken a back seat to his explosive backfield mate. But should he be?
Both players had exceptional Freshman seasons for Penn State. Both put up over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in their debut seasons. While the explosive Singleton had a slight advantage in rushing yards (1,061 to 867) and yards per carry, Allen actually led the Nittany Lions in carries and doubled his counterparts output in the receiving game.
Allen doesn’t have that all-world athleticism as a trump card like Singleton does, but he possesses a very well rounded game. He’s put in pass protection more regularly and should see him maintain that passing down role. Allen is currently going 3 full rounds later in devy drafts as RB13 – 41st overall. That is far too large of a gap. Allen is a talented young running back who is already positioning himself as one of the backs in the 2025 draft; and someone who is on a path to Day 2 draft capital.
Makai Lemon
While the limelight shines on USC Freshman WR Zachariah Branch, who’s received rave reviews this spring – and garnered lofty player comparisons like “the next Tyreek Hill” – there’s another newcomer sliding under the radar.
Makai Lemon is an uber talented receiver in his own right. A versatile playmaker who comes in as a highly recruited 4-star receiver, his game is much more refined than Branch. Lemon relies more on route running and the technical aspects of the receiver position, versus the sheer speed and athleticism Branch brings to the table.
Having the benefit of being high school teammates with standout quarterback and future USC signal caller Malachi Nelson, along with his advanced technical abilities, may make for a slightly smoother transition to the college game for Lemon. Currently being drafted as the devy WR17, 43rd overall, Lemon has just as much talent and opportunity to reach the same future heights as Branch; who is currently going as the Devy WR6, 21st overall.
Joshisa “JoJo” Trader
This is an extremely deep cut. JoJo Trader is only heading into his senior season in high school in the fall. But I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight my favorite player in the class of 2024.
It’s pretty rare to have two of the nation’s top players at the same position playing for the same high school team. That’s exactly what we have in class of 2024 teammates Jeremiah Smith and Joshisa Trader.
Playing for Chaminade-Madonna Prep, out of Florida, Smith and Trader are both 5-star wide receiver recruits playing alongside one another. Smith is in line to be the next-next great Ohio State WR, as the No. 1 WR in the nation. Don’t overlook his teammate. Trader, who is listed right behind him. Described as an “ATH” athlete on 24/7, JoJo is also rated first overall nationally at his position and 18th overall.
Trader is listed as an athlete due to him getting recruiting attention as a defensive back, as well as wide receiver. All signs point to him playing receiver at the next level. Write his name down for future drafts.
