By Mark Pszonak
The candidates were plentiful this weekend, but below are three players who had a breakout performance during Week 1 action and have a chance to become key contributors to their team this season:
WR Xavier Legette – South Carolina
The skinny: One can argue that Legette’s breakout came during last season’s Gator Bowl loss to Notre Dame when he totaled seven receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns, however, his performance on Friday night against North Carolina opened more eyes. Despite not scoring a touchdown, he finished with nine receptions for 178 yards during the loss. Even with that Gator Bowl performance, his yardage output against North Carolina topped his total for the entire 2022 season. Something has clicked between Legette and quarterback Spencer Rattler, so will this impressive level of play continue throughout the 2023 season?
WR Noah Thomas – Texas A&M
The skinny: As a true freshman last season, Thomas played in 11 games but only made a minimal contribution offensively with five receptions for 51 yards and two touchdowns. After a promising off-season, the 6-foot-6 sophomore immediately increased everyone’s expectations of him in 2023 with six receptions for 74 yards and three touchdowns in the opener against New Mexico. The Aggies have other weapons at the position, such as Evan Stewart and Ainias Smith, but his frame, length and athleticism adds a dimension to the offense that should make him a consistent threat throughout the season.
LB Kaimon Rucker – North Carolina
The skinny: Coming into the 2023 season, most believed that North Carolina’s success would rest solely on the play of their offense. However, after an impressive win against South Carolina, they have quickly shown that their defense should not be ignored. A big part of this was the play of Rucker, who turned in a performance for the ages with eight tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks. While Rucker has been a useful part of the defense during the last two seasons, he was never previously seen as a top-level defensive playmaker. Now everyone in Chapel Hill is excited to see if he can become one this season.
