Oct 20, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) catches a touchdown pass over Chicago Bears free safety Chris Conte (47) in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Former Gators tight end Jordan Reed has emerged as the next young superstar in the NFL. Reed was selected in the 3rd round (85th overall) by the Washington Redskins and he has quickly become Robert Griffin III’s favorite target.

“He is a great quarterback. I do just do my job and try and get open every play. It was working out today…I think he got me some confidence in me after watching me run routes and catching tough passes [in OTAs]. He believes in me,” Reed said.

Today against the Bears, the New London, CT product racked up 134 yards and a touchdown on 9 receptions. He caught all the passes thrown this way. On his touchdown catch, Reed went up over Chris Conte and hauled in a perfect fade throw from RGIII.

“I just gave him a little jab step and ran a fade. Rob threw a perfect, easy catchable ball,” Reed said, “Yeah I knew I got my feet down.”

On the day, he set the Redskins’ record for most receiving yards in a game by a rookie tight end. He broke it in the first half alone. This season already, Reed has 26 receptions for 298 yards and two touchdowns.

Next Sunday, Washington and Reed will have a tough matchup as they head to Mile High Stadium to battle the Denver Broncos. Not so much that the Broncos are a phenomenal defensive squad (they rank last in the NFL in yards allowed per game), but the Denver offense has been scoring at will.

“I take pride in my routes and creating separation. I work on it every day in practice and it’s paid off,” Reed said.

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