Faizon Brandon named Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Get used to this one, folks.
Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week for his stellar debut performance against the Furman Paladins on Saturday. Brandon looked like a 4-year veteran in his first career start, combining for 5 touchdowns (3 passing, 2 rushing) and just under 300 yards of total offense on 13-of-17 passing. The Vols walked away with a 56-9 win.
Brandon was also named the SEC Freshman of the Week on Monday.
Brandon has a little bit of Hendon Hooker to his game, and there’s still so much room for the true freshman to grow.
The former 5-star has a strong arm and showed off some elite pocket presence against a Furman team that, perhaps worryingly, kept him honest with some decent pressure early Saturday afternoon. As the Vols O-line adjusted and offered better protection, Brandon showed off his arm with a couple long touchdown passes to Mike Matthews.
Brandon a pocket passer who can surprise you with his legs. He’s a naturally fluid rusher, which he showed with several designed runs for 68 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Next up for Brandon and Tennessee is a trip to Atlanta for a matchup against Brent Key and Georgia Tech. The hype for Brandon will grow considerably if he matches his level of production from Week 1 against the Yellow Jackets.
Ethan Stone is a Saturday Down South News Editor and an advocate for the return of the Seattle Supersonics.
