By Mark Pszonak
With another weekend of exciting action in the books, numerous players had a breakout performance during Week 2 that might lead to bigger things this season. Here are the top five:
RB Omarion Hampton – North Carolina
The skinny: A week after linebacker Kaimon Rucker had a breakout performance against South Carolina, it was Hampton’s turn to shine during an overtime victory against Appalachian State. Rushing for 234 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries, his improved level of play through two games was not only vital on Saturday, but also for the rest of the season as it shows defenses that they can’t solely worry about slowing down top quarterback Drake Maye. It is also good timing as an interesting test looms this weekend against a formidable Minnesota defense.
DL Kenneth Grant – Michigan
The skinny: The Wolverines didn’t necessarily need more depth and talent on the defensive line, but with the emergence of Grant it has made the position even more impressive. He has dominated the interior line, which was especially evident on Saturday against UNLV when he finished with four tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and one pass breakup. Big things are obviously expected in Ann Arbor this season, so Grant’s breakout is great news for the Wolverines and bad news for the rest of the Big Ten.
DL Ethan Burke – Texas
The skinny: There were plenty of standouts for the Longhorns during their victory at Alabama, but Burke was one that was rather unexpected. Considering he was committed to play lacrosse in college until making a senior year decision to play football, Burke’s development over the last year has been noteworthy. He put it all together on Saturday night with four tackles, two tackles for a loss and one sack during a memorable night in Tuscaloosa.
WR Jacolby George – Miami-Florida
The skinny: Most of the publicity after Miami’s 48-33 victory over Texas A&M went to quarterback Tyler Van Dyke but lost in the shuffle was the play of George. After totaling 130 yards receiving last season and scoring only one touchdown during his first two seasons combined, George erupted with five receptions for 94 yards and three touchdowns. Now with 11 receptions in the first two games of the season, he has established himself as a reliable target for Van Dyke, which bodes well for the Hurricanes this season.
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TE Holden Staes – Notre Dame
The skinny: The Irish have long been known as one of the most consistent producers of elite tight end talent in the country. On Saturday they may have found their next star when Staes finished with four receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns during a victory at NC State. The departure of Michael Mayer to the NFL did leave a gaping hole at the position, but now that seems to have been filled by Staes.
