Week three: College football breakout stars

Week three of the college football season is in the books, and with it came many standout performances. Here are three players who had what could be breakout weeks as they take the next step in their progression.

Mark Pszonak contributed to this report

RELATED: Week one breakout stars | Week two breakout stars

The skinny: Thomas committed to Miami during the summer of 2013, but then took official visits to Florida State and Alabama in the weeks leading up to National Signing Day. While this caused stress to many Canes fans, in the end he stuck with his word and signed with Miami. Thomas’ play on the field had been rather uneventful to this point, as he totaled only 25 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and one sack during his first two seasons. On Saturday during a 45-10 victory at Appalachian State, Thomas showed his true potential by finishing with nine tackles, three tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks in what Canes fans hope is a sign of things to come.

Farrell’s take: Thomas was impressive for many reasons out of high school, first and foremost as an outside pass rusher with length and size, but also because of how he handled a move inside to defensive tackle his senior season and was still dominant. A tall, skinny pass rusher as a junior, he added some bulk and showed off his strength, anchoring the middle against some very good, and much bigger, competition. It’s surprising that he hasn’t broken out yet as a star as he was behind only Myles Garrett at his position out of high school, but a lot of that could be on the old staff. Time will tell if this is a jumping off point for his career.

The skinny: There was little to no drama in Reschke's recruitment, as he committed to Michigan State almost a year before his own National Signing Day. With his father having played for the Spartans in the early '80s, they immediately became the heavy favorite after offering. After redshirting in 2013 and seeing minimal playing time in 2014, Reschke began to flourish last fall with 75 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks. After missing the first game of the 2016 season with an injury, Reschke returned for the Notre Dame game on Saturday night and dominated. finishing with eight tackles, one tackle for a loss and an interception. He played a huge role in Michigan State’s big road win in South Bend.

Farrell’s take: Reschke had a very solid year last season being named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten, but this game could be a sign that he’s taking things to the next level. He was always a heady, sure tackler who was also very adept at being in the right place and getting the proper depth in his drops out of high school. He certainly didn’t shy away from contact but was smart enough to square up rather than go for the big hit every time, and he covered a lot of ground. His instincts, size and quickness made him a national prospect in the rankings.

The skinny: After a busy spring and summer in 2013, Brown began to focus on a final four of Ohio State, Rutgers, Virginia Tech and Vanderbilt. Planning to make a final decision before his first game of his senior season, Brown took an official visit to Columbus in early September and committed to the Buckeyes a few days later. His interaction with the coaching staff, and most importantly Urban Meyer, is what put Ohio State over the top. Brown saw minimal playing time during his true freshman season in 2014 but was in line for a much greater role in 2015 before a leg injury during summer camp ended his season before it began. Fully healthy now, Brown exploded onto the national scene on Saturday night against Oklahoma, when he finished with five receptions for 72 yards and a school record-tying four receiving touchdowns.

Farrell’s take: Another Ohio State Buckeye? Yep. This was the Brown we were supposed to see last season before his leg injury and now he’s ready to break out and be the go-to guy with Michael Thomas in the NFL. We had him as an athlete out of high school because he could do so much, including snagging receptions and chewing up yards carrying the ball. His size and physical nature also allowed a projection at safety or even linebacker if he bulked up. A Rivals250 prospect, it’s no surprise that Brown is making the most of his chance now that it’s finally here.