Three-star checkup: Unsung recruits who shined in Week 4
Each week during the college football season, we use Wednesdays as a chance to look back at three former three-star prospects that shined during the previous week’s college football action. This week we look at some unsung recruits who came through in big ways for their teams on Saturday.
MORE CHECKUPS: Five-star RBs from the 2015 class | Four-star defenders
As a recruit: The son of former Major League Baseball player Charles Johnson, Brandon saw his recruitment take off early in his high school career as he racked up offers from LSU, Miami and Clemson. But Tennessee came into focus as an option right as his senior year kicked off. He committed to the Vols and only visited Knoxville following that pledge.
What he did this week: Tennessee’s offense had its share of struggles against UMass, but it wasn’t due to anything Johnson did. He had his best game as a college player, hauling in seven catches for 123 yards. His number of receptions matched his entire total from 2016, and he nearly doubled his career total for receiving yards coming into the matchup. With injuries at the wide receiver position and a big matchup with Georgia coming this weekend, Johnson will need to continue his stellar production for the Vols to continue winning.
As a recruit: Duke was one of the only major programs to recruit Fields out of high school, and once the Blue Devils pulled the trigger on an offer during his senior season, he jumped on the chance to commit. With the exception of the service academies, the only other FBS program to offer Fields was Appalachian State.
What he did this week: Duke is off to a 4-0 start, and Fields' play has been a big part of the resurgence. On Saturday he had four tackles in the school’s victory over rival North Carolina, but his biggest contribution came on a 61-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter that helped seal the victory for Duke. A member of the class of 2013, Fields has seen his share of ups and downs including a torn ACL, but when he’s healthy he’s one of the ACC’s best defensive backs.
As a recruit: Sam got his share of attention during the recruiting process, including offers from Oklahoma and Baylor, but he committed to Arizona State prior to the start of his senior season. He took only one official visit, to Tempe, and stayed loyal to the Sun Devils throughout the process.
What he did this week: Sam missed almost all of last season after being injured in the Sun Devils' season-opening game, and he’s making up for lost time already in 2017. He played a huge role in Arizona State’s upset over Oregon on Saturday night, leading the game in tackles with 11, including 1.5 for loss. The win might have helped save the Sun Devils' season, and Sam’s showing is a big reason why they are 1-0 in the Pac-12.
