Week 4: College football's breakout stars
Mark Pszonak contributed to this report
The fourth weekend of the college football season is in the books and with it came many standout performances. Here are three guys who had what could be breakout weeks as they take the next step in their development.
The skinny: Penn State was the rumored leader with Johnson for several months, so it did not come as much of a surprise when he committed to the Nittany Lions after a visit to Happy Valley in March. He committed to Penn State over offers from Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and others. Johnson had the best game of his collegiate career during Penn State’s dramatic 21-19 victory over Iowa on Saturday night. Most importantly he scored the winning touchdown on the game’s final play, as part of his seven-reception, 92-yard night. After only reeling in two receptions during his true freshman season, look for Johnson to continue his improved play as his connection with Trace McSorley improves.
Farrell’s take: A big and physical receiver, Johnson was 212 pounds out of high school but looked like he had plenty of room to add weight. He wasn’t the fastest receiver in the world but improved consistently as we saw him and looked like he would be a good red zone threat and move-the-chains guy who would develop his downfield game. Now he’s starting to step into his own.
The skinny: There wasn’t much drama in Williams’ recruiting profile as his commitment to LSU was expected after numerous visits to the Baton Rouge campus. After redshirting in 2016, Williams has quickly become one of the more consistent and impressive redshirt freshmen in the country this fall. He continued to prove himself during LSU’s 35-26 victory over Syracuse when he picked up his third interception of the season, to go along with a season-high seven tackles. Playing for a program known to produce top-level secondary players, Williams may be one to keep an eye on in the future.
Farrell’s take: A high three-star out of high school, Williams was tall and long enough but needed to fill out and become more physical. However, he always had excellent ball skills and instincts. Williams was a willing tackler and always aggressive so we knew he’d have a chance at success with some time but were still worried about the overall balance of his game as a defender and tackler. Many schools tried to get he and his brother, Rodarius Williams, as a package deal but Greedy stayed home at LSU while Rodarius went off to Oklahoma State when the Tigers never offered.
The skinny: Anderson was initially committed to Missouri, but re-opened his recruitment in December. He took an official visit to TCU in mid-January and committed to the Horned Frogs a couple days later, over offers from Texas, Texas A&M and Houston. After rushing for 229 yards and one touchdown during his true freshman season, Anderson is quickly becoming a major part of the Horned Frogs’ offense in 2017. He was exceptional during TCU’s 44-31 victory over Oklahoma State on Saturday with 160 yards and three touchdowns, already raising his season totals to 442 yards and six touchdowns. Teaming with Kenny Hill, the Horned Frogs have a dynamic duo in their backfield.
Farrell’s take: A high three-star like Williams out of high school, Anderson was small but sneaky strong. He always had excellent speed, could catch the ball and was a patient runner. We knew Anderson would be a contributor in the passing game but wondered if he could take the pounding to be an every-down back in college. He’s showing he can handle the touches this season.
