Top True Freshman of Week 1

With the first full week of game action now behind us, several true freshmen produced impressive performances. However, one stood above the rest:

QB Faizon Brandon (Tennessee)

While the competition was far from fierce, Brandon’s performance against Furman on Saturday gave Tennessee fans optimism for the remainder of the season. He showcased his dual-threat abilities with 226 yards and three touchdowns through the air and 68 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries on the ground.

There are plenty of reasons why this performance was noteworthy:

• Youngest quarterback in Tennessee history
• He became only the fourth Tennessee quarterback of any age since 1995 to throw for 3 touchdowns and rush for 2 touchdowns in a single game, joining Joshua Dobbs (who did it four times), Joe Milton, and Justin Worley.
• First SEC quarterback to record at least 3 passing touchdowns and 2 rushing touchdowns in their first career start since Cam Newton did it for Auburn in 2010.
• His 5 total touchdowns tied the Tennessee freshman single-game record, previously achieved all through the air by Tyler Bray (2010) and Casey Clausen (2000).
• His 5 total touchdowns also matched the record for the most total touchdowns scored by any FBS true freshman in a season debut during the 21st century.

A better test for Brandon and the Vols will take place this Saturday, when they travel to Atlanta to play Georgia Tech. After that there will be early-season SEC games at home against both Texas and Alabama. Everyone will learn much more about Brandon and the Vols during those games, but for now there is plenty of reason to be excited if you wear orange and white in Knoxville.