Tell me about your players that surpassed your wildest hopes

[jello1717]

In the past 4 seasons combined I returned a total of 4 kickoffs for TDs. 3 of those 4 were by 97 speed guys. My returners are always fast non-starters (often freshmen).

This year my WR6 is a true FR that’s 74 OVR with 94 speed. Decent speed, but nothing to write home about. Earlier in the year against #23 Northwestern he returned back to back kickoffs for a TD to end the 1st half! He returned another in his last game which now gives him 4 kickoffs for TDs in just 7 games! (My previous guys returned 4 in 66 games) And to look at his ratings there’s nothing that jumps out and screams “this dude’ll be a BEAST at returning kicks!” but he’s drastically exceeded my wildest dreams as a return guy.

Oh yeah, he’s also returned a punt for a TD (it’s been 5 years since anyone returned a punt for a TD for me)!

So, which of your players have exceeded expectations?

[Solidice]

in my Fresno dynasty.

Not sure it'll fit this, but I had a MLB that progress from a 78 to a 92 in one off-season(redshirted FR year). started 4 years and is the career solo and total tackle leader in my dynasty.

Had a HB that Transferred from Cal, but his hometown was Fresno, so I recruited him mostly because of the storyline of a hometown player coming back to play for the local school. he actually came in as my highest rated HB(89) and played great. only played 1 season, but is my leader in single season rushing at 1,558. I definitely did not expect that from him.

Also had 2 CBs that were true freshman on the latest roster from December, they were low rated(62, 63), but progressed over time(both ended high 80s) and still are #1 and #2 in career Ints for my dynasty.

[TarHeelPhenom]

WR Ryan Manning (Jr.) 2* Ranking Out of High School

When I took over Maryland he was a true freshman. I inherited him. He didn’t make that much of an impact at wide receiver, but he was an impact player in the return game. He just finished up his junior year, and is transferring (with my blessing) to play elsewhere for his senior year. He will leave Maryland:

Maryland Record Books

Career All-time Leader in Receptions (235)
Most Receptions in One Season (111)
Most Receiving Yards in One Season (1,371)

Career Stats (44 Games Played)


Receiving

235 Receptions
2,680 Yards
20 TD’s
1,709 RAC Yards (7.3 RAC Avg.)

Kick Return


122 KR
2,481 Yards
5 TD
20.3 Avg.


Punt Return

215 PR
2,106 Yards
6 TD
9.8 Avg.



7,267 All-Purpose Yards
31 All-Purpose TD’s

2 Time National Returner of the Year

Offensively, he was the single biggest reason for us making it to 2 CFP’s. He was the definition of a gamechanger. I will miss coaching him and somebody will be getting a STUD! An overachiever to the highest degree. He was only a 2* out of high school. He’s only an 84 Overall, but he has Impact development trait He also has Platinum Takeoff and Silver Shifty and Bronze Double Dip.

I have a lot of those games recorded and plan to make a highlight reel of him.

ETA

I love that EA has that type of stat tracking. I always create a save point at the end of every season so that I can go back and look at the careers of all my players.

[illwill10]

Texas A&M

A couple seasons ago, I went after a couple WRs in the Portal. I usually only go after Transfers who have abilities I like . I struck out on the WR I wanted. So, I settled with a 3 star Transfer WR Coffman who had 95 speed and Shifty ability. I thought maybe I could use him in the slot and gadget plays. But once the season got here, I realized that Coffman wasn't even in my WR rotation and I wasn't going to force him on offense. I thought Coffman would be a good option for Returner since he has 95 speed and Shifty. If not, I had another WR for the role, who turned out to excell in the role I wanted for Coffman on offense. Coffman was elite as a Returner. He had about 4-5 KR TDs and 1-2 PR TDs. KR TDs were almost all the same. Start on the outside, go towards the center, and plant and cut to the outside. I knew if I get the blocks and the lane opens, it's a TD. In my current season, Coffman returned had a KR TD on the very first return of the season. Again, he won't ever see the field on offense since he's a SR, but he's an elite Returner.

I had a 3 star Transfer RB who ended up leading the nation in rushing for two years. I currently have a 4 star Transfer WR. The surprising thing is that I didn't really need him. I didn't expect that he'd come in as my highest rated WR. But, Coffman is the guy who wildly surpassed my expectations

[sherrane]

Dillon Mare, WR, Jacksonville FL. He was a 4-star recruit in high school who originally signed with Troy.


I was OC at Georgia for three seasons (winning two championships) before taking the Head Coach job at Kennesaw State. I made the playoffs in my first year, but played a G5 schedule with a 1-point win at P4 Syracuse. I got blown out in my first playoff game against LSU 49-10. I knew I needed much more speed on the perimeter and found Mr. Mare as a redshirt sophomore in the transfer portal. 97 speed, 96 acceleration, 99 release, 95 short and medium route running, 87 deep route running. Best Friend Mental with Physicals of Shifty, Double Dip, Takeoff, and Lay Out. He provided the speed I needed to get the offense to the next level and we make the National Championship Game against Georgia. Entering the game he had 52 receptions for 1,030 yards and 8 TDs. We went toe-to-toe with Georgia throughout the game with him being the best player. On the first offensive play of the game he caught a 75-yard TD pass and KSU takes a 7-0 lead. He catches a 45-yard TD with 5:00 left to get me close 51-49. Then he catches a 32-yard pass to get me to the Georgia 25 with 10 seconds left and I kick a FG to win it. He finishes the game with 10 catches for 356 yards and 3 TDs and is the game MVP.


I have played 4 games so far in the next season (his RS-Junior) and has 17 receptions for 421 yards and 4 TDs. He is on pace for a 55 - 1,368 - 13 season heading into the post season if I make the Conference Championship Game. I do not expect him back for his Senior season, so I am savoring his ability this year. He could have about 1,700 receiving yards if I can make the National Championship Game again this year and he remains healthy.

[georgiafan]

I was around a 2* school so I was recruiting 2* players as my base with a small limit of 3*. Even with ATH / DE Dillon Butts being a gem he wasn't one of the best players I thought I signed in the class. It's also easier to not get attached to 2* during recruiting as usually they don't have other offers. With 84 strength and low 80's speed I figured he would be a good starter after a few years of development then to my surprise he was star development which is rare for 2*.

I kinda forget about him and I jumped up to recruiting other players and of course redshirted him that first year. When I checked my depth chart he had improved double digit overall's and more importantly had 99 strength already to pair with the speed. Going into year 2 would improve another 9 points after 8.5 sacks that first year. Now as a redshirt sophomore he is up to a 89 overall and will improve on that 8.5 sacks. If he does come back for another year that speed will be around 90 and overall mid 90's. I don't think he will make his senior year as all of the ratings he can improve on are key ones.