2017 FBS Top 20 Return on Investment Receivers - Week 5 Update!

Third Survey

Five weeks in and we are already at our third Top 20 WR "Return on Investment" (ROI) list through September 30, 2017.  Lots of movement since last week's survey, so here is the list of the most efficient receivers based on "ROI" (for those of you not familiar with ROI as a measure for football receiver efficiency, please review the original article on the topic).

Qualifying receivers had total receptions within 1 standard deviation of the average of the top 150 receivers in terms of yardage. 

Hunger Games

On this the third Top 20 list, we have only 8 receivers appearing on all 3 lists.  Marshall's Tyre Brady has worked his way to the #1 spot returning 57.9% more on his opportunities (about 270% better than the average Top 150 receiver this week) while Tavares Martin Jr of Washington State is hanging on despite going in the opposite direction (to 15 from 12 last week).  

There is a trio of 2 timers lead by Jamarius Way of South Alabama (with 34.8% ROI, 162% better than average), Virginia's Doni Dowling and Parris Campbell of THE Ohio State University.

California has two players on the list in Vic Wharton III (3rd time on the list) and newcomer Kanawai Noa, a straight beast (see below).  No other school had teammates on the list.

Newcomers to the List

• Demarkus Lodge of Ole Miss debuted at #3 after his team's rough outing vs. 'Bama.  The kid put together back to back 100 yard games earlier this year but he's facing 'Bama Jr in Auburn on the road this week so we will see what he can put together.  Lodge, a 5 star player by some outlets out of Cedar Hill (TX) was named MVP in each of the state championship victories his Junior AND Senior years.  All State, All District Academic.  He had to sit and wait behind 4 DI receivers to get his shot on his high school's varsity squad.  Great piece about him here where he admits current NYJ Safety Jamal Adams almost made him reconsider his choice in sports. 
• Jaleel Scott of New Mexico State sort of dropped out of the sky.  After a solid career at football factory Rock Hill High (SC), Jaleel could not qualify for offers extended by Maryland and Kentucky, so he set out for Ellsworth CC (IA) where he was 1st team all conference.  Coached up by NMSU staff, Scott has been lighting up defensive backfields so far this year...check out his work vs. ASU where two of his incredible catches go down as no plays.  Tall, strong, and really nailing the finer points of route running, Scott should run up a lot of draft boards this coming Spring.  
• Kanawai Noa of California is the guy who left an immediate impression on me just from HS footage.  Out of Punahou High (HI), his football IQ is evident from his play on the field.  The ability to manipulate DBs and his in-game data acquisition was very advanced for a HS player.  He used those skills to help his team to the state championship and a nationwide ranking of #17 his senior year.  
• Jordan Lasley of UCLA identified here as a preseason potential breakout candidate  Lasley has done us proud by has posted 100 receiving yard games in 3 of 4 contests this year. We were high on him before the season and remain so.  He will have the opportunities to showcase his upside especially with The Rosen One flinging it all over the yard. 

Free Fallin'

The following players have fallen out of the Top 20:

• Andre Levrone of UVA had a 5/141/2 stat line yet fell from the overall #1 spot because his total receptions didn't qualify.
• Kwadarrius Smith of Akron posted a single catch for 15 yards vs. Bowling Green.
• J'Mon Moore of Mizzou and the rest of the Tigers ran into the buzzsaw called Auburn last week (he went 2/35/1)
• Alfonso Onunwor of Idaho had a bye week.
• Datrin Guyton of Bowling Green went 2/10/0 vs Akron.
• Chris Platt of Baylor looks to be out for the year with a knee injury suffered during the KSU game, unfortunately.
• Steven Sims, Jr. of Kansas went 6/96/1 vs, WVU, however, his total Receptions year to date are a bit under the minimum threshold. 
• Stanley Morgan, Jr. of Nebraska produced a stat line of 8/96/1 but that was not in line with his pro rata share.  As long as he keeps up solid performances averaging almost 100 yards per game, he will make his way back onto the list. 
• Trent Sherfield of Vanderbilt was quiet against the Florida Gators.
• Andre Wilson of UAB had a bye week,. 

ROI Game of the Week:  Double Dip!

Game 1 - Saturday Iowa State @ Oklahoma with Cyclone Hakeem Butler set to be tested by the #3 Sooners.  Keep an eye out for my dark horse QB candidate, Jacob Park to see how he rebounds after last week's setback against Texas. 

Game 2 - Saturday Bowling Green @ Miami (OH) pits former #1 ROI Datrin Guyton (BGSU) vs. current #6 James Gardner. 

Shameless Self-Promotion!

Watch this spot for more College Football and WR updates and analysis, including weekly updates of FBS ROI!

Also, go like the new Boombearjr Football Analysis Facebook Page and follow me there! https://www.facebook.com/boombearjr/.