Bryce Farrell On Elic Ayomanor: 'This Is A Dude That Will Be In The NFL'
With all of the experience that Stanford lost from last year's squad, one position group lost the most production was the wide receiver room.
They lost Michael Wilson, Elijah Higgins, and Brycen Tremayne to the NFL, leaving Stanford with rotational piece John Humphreys as the most experienced and proven receiver with 53 catches for 678 yards and two scores through three seasons. With a new coach, system, and of course quarterback, Stanford has been waiting for a receiver to step up and be that No. 1 guy and pair with star tight end Benjamin Yurosek.
Humphreys hasn't played since their Week 2 game at USC and has been out with an injury, while Yurosek hasn't had the impact as a pass catcher that many thought he'd have due to his assistance being needed to block. This has left Stanford with a revolving door at quarterback, and just hoping for someone to take the mantle.
A couple of receivers whether it be true freshman Tiger Bachmeier or Sophomore Mudia Reuben have potential, but it was Canadian pass catcher Elic Ayomanor who firmly cemented himself as the guy against Colorado. After not recording a catch in the first half, Ayomanor exploded for 13 catches and a school-record 294 yards and three touchdowns in the second half en route to leading Stanford back from down 29, as they went on to win 46-43.
Despite having touchdowns of 97 yards and 60 yards, it was his 30-yard score in overtime that he pinned against one of the best players in college football, Travis Hunter's helmet. He made the contested snag against Hunter's helmet, and dragged the former No. 1 overall recruit into the end zone. When speaking to the media on Tuesday, fellow wide receiver Bryce Farell revealed that no one in Stanford's locker room was surprised by Ayomanor's showing.
Elic Ayomanor makes a catch on Travis Hunter
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
"So when he had that game," said Farrell. "No one was shocked about that. I think everyone has seen what he can do and knows what he can do. It was just a matter of time before it came out. It couldn't have happened to a better guy."
Farell even looked back at the first time he saw Ayomanor, and knew right away he could be special.
"The first day I saw Elic step on campus," said Farrell. "And when we first saw Elic run a route, we were like, 'Yeah, this is a dude that will be in the NFL." "He has the body type, he has the mindset, and has all of the intangibles.
Ayomanor, who missed all of last season, had just 15 catches prior to Friday's game, and had never amassed more than four catches in a game. He now will look to be the catalyst of this young Stanford offense as they look to continue to build momentum down the stretch in what is Troy Taylor's first year as the head coach.
