Tennessee's Faizon Brandon is College Football's Next Superstar

View post: Kewan Lacy Is Becoming an Ole Miss Legend in Record Time If there were questions about whether Tennessee freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon was ready for the spotlight, he answered them emphatically Saturday. Brandon didn't simply play well in his college debut. He delivered the type of performance that immediately put the rest of college football on notice. The freshman accounted for five touchdowns as No. 20 Tennessee rolled past Furman 56-9. Brandon threw for 226 yards and three touchdowns while adding 68 rushing yards and two more scores on 10 carries. After watching Brandon on Saturday, I believe he is the best freshman in college football right now. Yes, it was one game. Yes, the opponent was Furman. Bigger tests are coming. But my opinion isn't based solely on the final score or five touchdowns. It's based on what Brandon showed physically and mentally. First, I believe Brandon is the best freshman because he already looks like a complete quarterback. A lot of young quarterbacks arrive with one elite trait. They may have a huge arm or tremendous speed, but Brandon showed he can hurt a defense in multiple ways. He made throws downfield, operated Tennessee's offense and became dangerous when using his legs. His connection with Mike Matthews demonstrated that explosiveness. Brandon connected with Matthews for touchdown passes of 55 and 57 yards. Faizon's Composure Brandon admitted afterward that the game initially felt fast before slowing down by Tennessee's second possession. That's remarkable for someone experiencing college football for the first time. He didn't look overwhelmed by the moment. He looked like he belonged. Tennessee built a 42-0 advantage before Brandon's afternoon ended a little more than halfway through the game. Had he remained on the field for four quarters, his numbers could have been considerably bigger. Brandon also became the first SEC player since Cam Newton to throw three touchdown passes and rush for two touchdowns in his debut. What is His Ceiling? This might be the most exciting part. If Brandon can produce five touchdowns while still learning how to play quarterback at the college level, imagine what he could look like by November. Josh Heupel's offense is built to create explosive opportunities, and Brandon possesses the arm talent and athletic ability to maximize them. Of course, Furman isn't Georgia, Alabama or one of the other elite defenses Brandon could eventually encounter. I need to see him perform against stronger competition before putting him among the best quarterbacks in America. But we're talking about freshmen. And based on what I've seen so far, I'm taking Brandon over every other freshman in the country. He has the arm, athleticism, confidence and opportunity to become special. One Saturday doesn't make a career. But it can introduce a star. And after Saturday, I believe college football may have found its next one in Faizon Brandon. About the author Horace Shivers Horace Shivers is an accomplished sports journalist with a passion for telling the stories behind the games, athletes, and coaches that shape the sports world. Shivers currently serves as a Sports Writer at TWSN, covering the NFL, WNBA, and MLB.