Week 7: College football's breakout stars

Mark Pszonak contributed to this report

Week seven 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 for them as they take the next step in their development.

MORE BREAKOUT STARS: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6

The skinny: Higdon originally committed to USF before flipping to Iowa during his senior season but switched things up once again late to Michigan after a last second offer. After limited action in his freshman season, he rushed for 425 yards and six scores last season in a complimentary role. This year he’s almost surpassed both of last year’s season totals and had a breakout game in a 27-20 overtime win over Indiana with 200 yards and three scores.

Farrell’s take: Higdon was a high three-star prospect with adequate size and speed coming out of high school but he never landed any big in-state offers. He was more of a slasher out of high school but has added power and lower body strength and keeps his legs churning, relying more on second effort and vision than the flat out elusiveness we saw in high school. Higdon always had the potential to be a workhorse because of his conditioning and he also showed he could catch the ball. This game will give him great confidence and perhaps make him the feature back Jim Harbaugh wants in his offense.

The skinny: Hardman surprised some by naming Alabama his leader in early January, but it was Georgia that picked up his commitment on National Signing Day. Aside from the Crimson Tide, Ohio State also made a serious push during the last month. As a true freshman, despite appearing in 11 games, Hardman had minimal impact for the Bulldogs. This season he came into Saturday’s game against Missouri with only seven receptions for 58 yards and one touchdown, plus three carries for five yards. So his performance during Georgia’s win yesterday may be a sign of things to come as he finished with two receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown, plus one rushing attempt which turned into a 35-yard touchdown.

Farrell’s take: Hardman’s skills were never questioned and he finished as a national top 15 player and clear cut five-star. He was so talented he could have been a cornerback or wide receiver at the next level which is why we had him ranked at athlete. I remember his suddenness and the battle between Hardman and Demetris Robertson at our Rivals Camp Series event in Charlotte as they tried to out-do each other on offense. There was never any question about his impact at the next level, just whether it would come on offense or defense.

The skinny: Chark committed to LSU during an unofficial visit to Baton Rouge in June and there was never really any question where he would go. Chark is already enjoying his best collegiate season this fall, but took his game to a new level on Saturday during the Tigers’ victory over Auburn. Offensively he finished with five receptions for 150 yards, while on special teams he returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown. He is also quickly becoming a name to watch for the 2018 NFL Draft.

Farrell’s take: Chark was a high three-star who had to earn his offer from LSU at camp. He was tall enough but needed to fill out and get stronger and add a little more speed for college. However, he had a great frame to build on and showed excellent hands in the rare opportunities we had to scout him. He was always excellent with the ball in his hands so yards after catch and special teams impact aren’t a surprise here. He turns the corner very well.