Clash of the Titus
BOISE- There was a play during Boise State's opening driving Sunday night which may or may not make the highlight reels, but it's worth talking about.
The Broncos were facing a 2nd-and-4 from New Mexico State's 49-yard-line when quarterback Taylor Tharp hooked up with freshman wide receiver Titus Young on a 16-yard pass play for a first down.
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The Broncos would score four plays later en route to a 58-0 victory over the Aggies, but what makes this particular play stand out is it continuously showcases Young's "not so young" abilities. The true freshman leapt up for the ball, which was thrown over his head, and pulled it down with one hand.
"He's an impressive player, he really is," said Boise State football coach Chris Petersen, whose team defeated New Mexico State in front of a national audience on ESPN. "And not only is he an impressive receiver, but then when you factor his age in, being a true freshman."
Titus Young is one of five true freshman to play regularly for the Broncos this season, and he was kind of thrust into that role with the departure of last year's seniors: Jerard Rabb, Legedu Naanee and Drisan James. Only junior Vinny Perretta and sophomore Jeremy Childs returned from last year's rotating core of players.
Sunday night against the Aggies Young had five catches for 84 yards including a 50-yard touchdown grab late in the first quarter. For the season (five games) he has 13 catches for 278 yards and three touchdowns. Those numbers put him second on the team in receiving behind Childs.
"He's better than what I thought he was gonna be," added Petersen. "There's no question about that...certain guys have that knack (that) when it's time to play, they play better. And he's one of those guys."
Young has also provided another target for senior quarterback Taylor Tharp, a first-year starter, who has a 64% completion percentage this season and has led the Broncos to a 4-1 record.