College football is a wild and wonderful place. Every week, there are upsets, thrilling finishes, and standout performances. This past weekend was no exception, as several players across the country put together eye-catching showings.
One player who stood out in a big way was Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton. The sophomore wideout had a career day against Vanderbilt, catching 11 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown. It was the first 100-yard receiving game of Burton's career, and it came at a time when the Crimson Tide needed him most.
With leading receiver Jameson Williams sidelined with an injury, Burton stepped up in a big way. He was the clear go-to target for quarterback Bryce Young, and he made play after play. Burton's performance was a major reason why Alabama was able to cruise to a 55-3 victory.
Burton's breakout performance has been a long time coming. He was a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school, but he has not always lived up to the hype. However, this past weekend showed that Burton has the potential to be a star. He is a talented pass-catcher with great hands and route-running ability.
With Williams expected to miss more time, Burton will need to continue to play at a high level. If he can do that, then Alabama's offense could be one of the most dangerous in the country. Burton has the potential to be a special player, and this past weekend was just a glimpse of what he is capable of.
Burton's performance was even more impressive when you consider the defense he was facing. Vanderbilt has one of the best defenses in the SEC, but Burton was able to get open and make plays all day long. It was a dominant performance from a player who is starting to come into his own.
It's still early in the season, but Burton's breakout performance has put him on the map. He is now a player to watch, and he could be a major factor in Alabama's quest for a national championship.