Cougs Daily

Former BYU WR Puka Nacua Breaks Rookie Receiving Record

Puka Nacua has broken various records during his rookie season with the LA Rams. On Sunday, Nacua broke the biggest record of all when he broke the rookie

Casey Lundquist

Puka Nacua has broken various records during his rookie season with the LA Rams. On Sunday, Nacua broke the biggest record of all when he broke the rookie receiving record set by Bill Groman in 1960. 63 years ago, Bill Groman racked up 1,473 receiving yards in his rookie season for the Houston Oilers. Nacua tied the record with a 19-yard touchdown in the first quarter against the 49ers.

He caught the touchdown while being guarded by 49ers defensive back Charvarius Ward. Ward, a sixth-year player, made comments before the game saying he was going to try to prevent Nacua from getting the record. Ward added that if Nacua did get the record, he would make sure Nacua was "sore" after the game. On the final drive of the first half, the 49ers double-teamed and even triple-teamed Nacua to prevent him from breaking the record.

It didn't matter. On the first drive of the second half, Nacua broke the record with a seven-yard reception. On the same reception, he tied the record for the most receptions in a single season by a rookie wide receiver. He tied Jaylen Waddle for the most receptions by a rookie with 104. On the following play, Nacua caught a quick screen to set the record for most receptions by a rookie with 105.

Earlier this week, Nacua was made the NFL pro bowl roster. He is also considered one of two finalists for the offensive rookie of the year award alongside Texans quarterback CJ Stroud.

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Casey Lundquist
CASEY LUNDQUIST

Casey Lundquist is the publisher and lead editor of Cougs Daily. He has covered BYU athletics for the last four years. During that time, he has published over 2,000 stories that have reached more than three million people.

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