Spring Camp Stock Watch: 10 Key Storylines You Need to Know This Week

Kevin dives into this week's camp reports!

Spring practices are heating up, and since last week’s in-depth update, even more clarity is emerging across the college football landscape. Whether it’s young players flashing early, transfers settling into new roles, or depth charts beginning to shake out, the last week of camp has given us plenty to dig into. These next few weeks are crucial for spotting risers before they become mainstream names in Devy, C2C, or CFF formats.

In this article, I’m highlighting the Top 10 storylines you need to know from the past week of spring action. We’ll hit on key breakouts, position battles, and under-the-radar players making waves. If you’re looking to stay one step ahead in your leagues—or just want a pulse on what’s happening around the country—this is the update for you.

LAST WEEKS UPDATE CAN BE FOUND HERE!

Alabama QB Battle Still Wide Open + Freshman WR Brooks Turning Heads

The Crimson Tide quarterback competition is still up for grabs heading into A-Day, with no one clearly separating from the pack just yet. Right now, Ty Simpson looks like the guy to beat based on how reps are being distributed, but Austin Mack and freshman Keelon Russell are still firmly in the mix. Simpson and Mack are understandably getting the bulk of work with the top units, while Russell is rotating in with the second and third groups—but the true freshman is making his presence known with flashes of serious upside.

Simpson had a solid showing in the recent scrimmage, connecting on a deep ball to veteran receiver Germie Bernard, while Mack showed off his arm talent but also tossed a pick. Nothing so far has made it feel like Simpson has locked this thing up, but it’s leaning his way, which makes him an intriguing buy-low Devy or C2C asset right now.

Meanwhile, freshman wideout Lotzeir Brooks might be the bigger story coming out of Tuscaloosa. Despite a crowded receiver room that includes Bernard, Isaiah Horton, and five-star Ryan Williams, Brooks is demanding attention. He scored at least once in the scrimmage and was consistently electric with the ball in his hands. At 5’9”, 188 pounds, Brooks profiles as a dynamic slot threat who’s already earning high praise from head coach Kalen DeBoer. DeBoer raved about Brooks’ ability to make plays after the catch but also emphasized his vertical ability and body control downfield. His high school resume speaks for itself. New Jersey’s all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns but it’s his football IQ, quick-twitch burst, and creativity during scramble drills that are really standing out early. He still has to round out his game especially against press coverage and in refining his route tree but the early signs point to a freshman who could crack the rotation sooner rather than later and provide explosive value on both offense and special teams. Brooks is one to stash now before the breakout buzz really builds.

Clemson RB Room – Gideon Davidson Stock Rising

The Clemson backfield is wide open right now, and freshman Gideon Davidson is quickly becoming a name to watch. With Phil Mafah off to the NFL and a serious lack of proven returners behind him, there’s a clear opportunity for someone to step up—and Davidson might just be that guy.

He hasn’t gotten the volume yet, but when he’s on the field, the traits pop. He’s a smooth, instinctual runner who shows patience, vision, and legit burst once he finds daylight. Clemson even hit him on a 31-yard wheel route in the scrimmage, showing off his ability in the passing game.

Physically, he’s already got the build and verified track speed (10.69 in the 100m), and he’s tough to bring down with just arm tackles. There’s some polish needed—pad level, pass pro, physicality—but all signs point to him getting meaningful reps early. If he seizes the moment, Davidson could lead this backfield from the jump, and that’s huge value in devy/CFF formats.

Texas WR Room – Kaliq Lockett Turning Heads

Texas might have found its next WR1 in true freshman Kaliq Lockett. With Ryan Wingo sidelined this spring, Lockett has stepped into the spotlight—and he’s showing why he was one of the top receivers in his class.

Lockett brings a long, athletic frame (just under 6'2") with crazy length and hands that snatch balls out of the air. He’s been holding his own against a loaded Texas secondary and showing an advanced skill set—body control, separation, and the kind of contested catch ability you don’t usually see from freshmen.

He’s a little lean right now, so strength will be key to dealing with press corners, but his quickness and route fluidity help him create space. He’s already flashing big-play upside, and if he keeps building momentum, Lockett could carve out a role right away. He’s a serious riser worth grabbing early in devy or stashing in deep CFF leagues.

This week’s TDR Podcast!

Fresno State WR Sleeper Alert

As a Fresno season ticket holder, I’ve got a deep sleeper for you to keep tabs on in CFF and C2C: redshirt freshman WR Jordan Malau’ulu. He’s been getting legit first-team reps this spring and even hauled in a score from walk-on QB Logan Jacks. This kid is making noise in camp. Coming out of Long Beach Poly, he was a big-play threat with a 96-yard TD on his résumé and over 700 receiving yards as a senior. He’s bulked up, and with Fresno looking for someone to emerge in the receiver room, Malau’ulu is firmly in the mix. He’s not just flashing—he’s competing for real snaps.

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