In a weekly feature on Rivals.com, we take a look at the weekend’s standout performances from both college and pro football and pick one player from each star rankings group to spotlight.
RELATED: More 5-4-3-2-un
THE FIVE-STAR
Recruiting revisited: If Jones were a recruit in 2016, it would be assumed that he would stay close to home and sign with Alabama, but back in 2008, he was anything but a lock for the Tide. He took all five of his official visits, with Florida, Florida State, Oklahoma and Texas Tech all getting trips, but in the end the Tide won out and he went on to make an immediate impact in Tuscaloosa.
What he did this week: Jones was dominant in the Falcons victory over Carolina, shredding the Panthers' secondary en route to 12 catches and 300 yards receiving. Jones has been a star since he entered the league as a first-round pick in 2011 and is well on his way to becoming one of the best five-star wide receivers of all-time.
THE FOUR-STAR
Recruiting revisited: As a Rivals100 recruit in the 2015 class, Browning had his share of options. But Chris Peterson and the staff of Washington did a good job of identifying him early and landed his commitment in March of 2014. Despite late interest from Alabama, Browning stuck with the Huskies.
What he did this week: Washington is in the middle of renaissance and Browning is a big part of the school’s turnaround. After taking over as the starter during his freshman season, he has quickly emerged as one of the Pac-12’s top quarterbacks and his finest moment was guiding the Huskies to a 44-6 victory over Stanford on Friday night. He completed 15 of 21 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns. It’s still early in his career, but Browning is already living up to his Rivals100 ranking.
THE THREE-STAR
Recruiting revisted: Switzer was an undersized athlete as a high school player. Despite being from West Virginia, he caught the eye of several Power Five programs, including Florida State, Penn State and Washington, among others. But North Carolina’s early offer paid off and Switzer committed to the Heels nearly 11 months before Signing Day and never wavered on his decision.
What he did this week: Switzer has been having his way with college defensive backs pretty much since he arrived in Chapel Hill and this week he came up big in the Heels' 37-35 upset of Florida State. He finished the game with 14 catches for 158 yards and is on track for a career year.
THE TWO-STAR
Recruiting revisited: Hikutini took the long road to Louisville, initially signing with FCS school Sacramento State as a high school prospect out of Wilton (Calif.) Pleasant Grove. After two seasons with the Hornets, he transferred to City College of San Francisco, where he played for one season before signing with Louisville in 2015. The Cardinals and Purdue were Hikutini’s only Power Five offers.
What he did this week: The Cardinals may have lost at Clemson but Hikutini had one of the best games of his career. He hauled in seven passes for 84 yards and is quickly becoming one of Lamar Jackson’s favorite targets. If he keeps his big season up, he should be headed for a spot in the 2017 NFL Draft.
THE UNRANKED: ADAM THIELEN
Recruiting revisted: Thielen was so far under the radar that he didn’t even have a Rivals.com profile as a member of the 2008 class. The Detroit Lakes, Minn., native signed with Minnesota State and after redshirting as a freshman became one of the most prolific wide receivers in school history.
What he did this week: The undrafted free agent has become one of Sam Bradford’s favorite targets with the Minnesota Vikings and on Monday night he came away with two catches for 21 yards. Thielen is in his third year with the team and is having by far the best season of his career and is taking snaps from first round draft pick Laquon Treadwell.