Miami’s Elijah Arroyo rumbles to Player of the Week honors

When recapping the top performances from Latinos in College Football, it’s always key to start with Miami. Week 5 was no different as tight end Elijah Arroyo, kicker Andres Borregales and linebacker Raul Aguirre Jr. had sensational highlights.

Running back Damien Martinez, last week’s Player of the Week, and Xavier Restrepo also contributed to the thrilling victory over Virginia Tech on Friday night.

A replay review in the closing seconds helped Miami remain undefeated, giving college football a pair of undefeated Cuban American Division I football coaches with perfect 5-0 records so far. Miami’s Mario Cristobal and his predecessor Manny Diaz, who is now at Duke, are both 5-0.

Unlike previous weeks, no Latino quarterback threw for more than 300 yards. No Latino receiver had more than 100 yards of receptions. No Latino running back had more than 100 yards rushing or three rushing touchdowns.

Player of the Week: Elijah Arroyo

So we’re picking the Player of the Week for Week 5 based on our favorite highlight, and that belongs to Miami’s Elijah Arroyo. The junior tight end had an outstanding performance against Virginia Tech.

The 6-foot-4, 245 pounder made the most out of his two catches for 88 yards. Elijah Arroyo hauled in a 43-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter, helping Miami take a 14-7 lead. Arroyo has three touchdowns and 272 receiving yards.

1⃣ ➡️ 8⃣ ➡️ 6⃣

📺: ESPN#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/379V1uEAMC

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) September 28, 2024

Damien Martinez rushed for 60-yards on 14 carries in a 38-34 victory over Virginia Tech. Martinez, who had three touchdowns a week earlier, has rushed for 254 total yards so far this season. 

Wide receiver Xavier Restrepo continues to come through in clutch situations for the Hurricanes. Facing 4th-and-3, Restrepo snagged a ball after slipping and readjusting. His play put Miami in scoring position.

MORE FROM OUR ESQUINA

Sebastian Castro, Xavier Restrepo, Kevin Concepcion lead Latinos in D1 Football

Our Esquina College Football Player of the Year: Sebastian Castro

Five-Star Devin Sanchez commits to Ohio State

Miami kicker Andres Borregales hit a career-best 56-yard field goal to help the Hurricanes get back into the game at the half. Borregales accounted for eight points against Virginia Tech.

Miami sophomore linebacker Raul Aguirre Jr. recorded the first sack of his college career. The 6-foot-2, 233-pounder had three tackles and one sack. He also got some love from Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, a Miami legend, on the field after the victory. 

Willie Rodriguez makes presence felt

What a hit by Willie Rodriguez!

If only this call stood as a fumble… pic.twitter.com/Y4pEEHeNhl

— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) September 28, 2024

Kentucky tight end Willie Rodriguez made the first catch of his college career in the upset of the week. The freshman from Taylor Mill, Kentucky, made a 25-yard catch in the 20-17 victory over Ole Miss. Rodriguez also set the tone on special teams with a crushing tackle on the opening kickoff. 

Sophomore Georgia defensive back Joenel Aguero had two tackles in the 41-34 loss to Alabama. UCLA sophomore receiver Rico Flores Jr made three catches for 27 yards in a 34-13 loss against Oregon. Kain Medrano had two tackles for UCLA in the loss. 

NC State wide receiver Kevin Concepcion had four catches for four yards and a touchdown in a 24-17 victory against Northern Illinois. Concepcion’s touchdown in the third quarter gave the Wolfpack a two-score lead and put the game out of reach for the Huskies. 

Jake Garcia rallies East Carolina

Jake Garcia rallied East Carolina from behind to beat UT San Antonio. He threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in a 30-20 victory.

Garcia completed 17 of 35 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. Noah Perez added three field goals and three PATs for East Carolina. UTSA’s Oscar Cardenas had his first touchdown catch of the season with a five-yard reception. He had two catches for eight yards in the loss. 

Kicker Alejandro Mata hit a season-long 46-yard field goal against UCF. He  accounted for 12 points in the Buffaloes’ 48-21 victory. 

Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas had four total tackles, three solo tackles. He was also credited for half a sack in the 21-7 victory over Illinois. Syracuse wide receiver Trebor Peña had four receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown. Peña has 316 yards and five touchdowns this season. 

South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez showcased his skills against LSU. Lopez completed 16 of 22 attempts for 171 yards and a touchdown in the 42-10 loss.

^{Featured art courtesy of Miami Athletics.}