SEC Saturday Sleepers: Week 5's top under-the-radar performances
After every weekend of games, you always hear about the performances of the Kenny Hills, the Amari Coopers and the Todd Gurleys of the SEC. But there are also the performances you don’t hear as much about, coming from the under-the-radar SEC players…the sleepers.
Who were the best of the Saturday Sleepers from Week 5? Take a look.
Edward Pope, WR, Texas A&M
Week 5 stats: four receptions, 151 yards and two touchdowns
Texas A&M quarterback Kenny Hill received even more hype following his 386-yard, four touchdown performance in the Aggies’ comeback over Arkansas. But it was wide receiver Edward Pope that stood out among the many receiving weapons for Texas A&M. The 6-foot-4 sophomore wide receiver enjoyed a breakout performance, catching four balls for 151 yards, including a clutch 86-yard touchdown pitch and catch to bring the Aggies within seven points of the Razorbacks. It was Pope’s long catch and run that sparked Texas A&M’s comeback.
Sam Irwin-Hill, P, Arkansas
Week 5 stats: seven punts, 304 yards, one rush, 51 yards and one touchdown
Of course, it’ll be Irwin-Hill’s 51-yard touchdown run off a fake punt that’ll stick in everyone’s minds. And deservingly so, too, as it was a heck of a run by a punter. But Irwin-Hill’s impact was also felt through his main responsibility – punting. He had seven punts and averaged 43.4 yards per punt. He pinned two back within Texas A&M’s 20-yard line and his best punt came at a time when the Hogs needed it most – backed up on their own side of the field with around a minute left in the game. Irwin-Hill booted it 54 yards to keep the Aggies out of great field position to possibly win it at the end of regulation.
Jalen Hurd, RB, Tennessee
Week 5 stats: 24 carries, 119 yards, one touchdown
The true freshman running back played second fiddle Saturday to Georgia’s Todd Gurley, but Tennessee fans have to be thrilled with what they’ve seen out of Hurd this season. He carried the ball 24 times for 119 yards and contributed an early touchdown in the Vols’ three-point road loss against the Bulldogs. Despite being just a first-year player, Hurd’s 6-foot-3, 221-pound frame is a load for opposing defenses and allows him to receive the majority of the carries. He’s developing into a true No. 1 running back and should continue to make noise throughout the rest of the season.
Marcus Murphy, RB Missouri
Week 5 stats: 16 carries, 98 yards, two receptions, 12 receiving yards and 78 return yards
The electric Marcus Murphy may not have scored a touchdown for the Tigers in Missouri’s 21-20 victory over South Carolina, but the senior made his presence known. He racked up 98 yards on the ground with 24 of those yards coming on Missouri’s game-winning drive. Murphy’s 22-yard return was also key in establishing good field position to start that drive as Murphy returned it all the way to midfield.
Deshazor Everett, DB, Texas A&M
Week 5 stats: 16 total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss
Everett’s performance against Arkansas’ running game this weekend was nothing short of spectacular. The senior defensive back tallied 16 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and was arguably Texas A&M’s most impressive player in its defense against Arkansas’ running backs. It was guys like Everett that kept Arkansas’ offense at bay when it looked like the Razorbacks might eventually pull away in the fourth quarter.