Breakout Performances of Week 6
By Mark Pszonak
College football is all about developing younger players to become important playmakers. Every week numerous players make that jump. Some are expected while others come as a surprise, so here are five who took that leap this weekend:
TE Arlis Boardingham – Florida
The skinny: After redshirting during his true freshman season in 2022, Boardingham had eased himself into the offensive game plan this season with six receptions for 51 yards and one touchdown. He exceeded all those numbers on Saturday against Vanderbilt with seven receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Graham Mertz has brought stability to the passing game this season and now the Gators have developed a new threat to add to the arsenal.
TE Ty Washington – Arkansas
The skinny: It hasn’t been the greatest season to this point for Arkansas, which was made even worse last weekend when impressive true freshman tight end Luke Hasz’s season came to an end with a broken clavicle. Who would take his place? This question was quickly answered against Ole Miss this weekend when Washington totaled seven receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns. This was especially surprising considering he came into the game without a reception this season. While this performance came during another loss, it was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing Saturday.
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Oct 7, 2023; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Ty Washington (8) runs after a catch for a touchdown as Mississippi Rebels defensive back Trey Washington (25) attempts to make the tackle during the second half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
LB Nickolas Martin – Oklahoma State
The skinny: After two somewhat uneventful seasons in Stillwater, Martin has been a pleasant surprise for the Cowboys this fall. He enjoyed his best all-around game of his collegiate career on Friday night in a surprising victory over Kansas State when he totaled 17 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, one sack and one interception. Martin had been on the brink of taking that next step, which may have officially happened against the Wildcats.
DB Toriano Pride – Clemson
The skinny: Pride was able to showcase his potential as a true freshman last season by totaling 22 tackles and four pass breakups while playing in all 14 games for the Tigers. He had yet to make a significant impact this fall until starting cornerback Sheridan Jones was a late scratch due to illness. Stepping in as the replacement, Pride responded with a career-high seven tackles, one tackle for a loss and three pass breakups during a hard-fought 17-12 victory over Wake Forest.
Oct 7, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. (23) and safety R.J. Mickens (9) tackle Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive back Justin Simpkins (80) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium.
© Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
DL Tim Keenan III – Alabama
The skinny: Keenan had a strong off-season which created some buzz around Tuscaloosa. While he had performed well through the first handful of games it wasn’t until the win against Texas A&M that he truly shined. Finishing with eight tackles, one tackle for a loss and one sack, the powerful nose guard has now become a vital part of the Tide’s defense as the unit as a whole looks to be getting stronger by the week.
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