AuburnFamilyNews.com: Four Auburn Players Poised to Have a Breakout Year on Offense in 2017

Monday, August 21, 2017

Four Auburn Players Poised to Have a Breakout Year on Offense in 2017

Oct 1, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers receiver Nate Craig-Myers (3) makes a touchdown catch as UL-Monroe Warhawks safety Aaron Townsend (31) defends during the third quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

It’s just 12 days till kick off for the Auburn Football Team. After finishing second in the SEC Western Division in 2016, the Tigers enter the 2017 season with several new faces along with several questions.

Perhaps the biggest of which is how much can the Tiger offense rebound from a disappointing 8-5 ending that saw the offensive production grow stagnant with the late season injuries at quarterback and running back.

New Offensive Coordinator Chip Lindsey is expected to add some new schemes giving plenty of opportunities for players to have a breakout year.

This week we will look at five players from the offense who I believe are poised to make a big impact. Next week we will look at five defensive players that could be very important in turning things around on The Plains.

Here are five offensive players that are set to have a breakout season heading into 2017:

* Nate Craig-Myers, WR

The Auburn receiving corps took a back seat to the running game for the Tiger offense last year. In an effort to improve the air attack, Malzahn has emphasized receivers in the last two recruiting classes and went out and hired passing guru Chip Lindsey to open up things up.

Near the top of that group was Craig-Myers who came in ranked as the nation’s No. 6 wide receiver. He hasn’t done much since arriving on the Plains playing behind Tony Stevens and dealing with injuries. In fact, Kyle Davis got more snaps last year due to Nate being banged up most of the year. But the former five-star is in his best health since arriving on campus as his five receptions for 154 yards on A-Day showed.
 
Adding to his good health is the fact he’s developed a good chemistry with the new quarterback Jarrett Stidham. “I feel like now, as we’re progressing, we’re getting better,” said Nate.  “We’re clicking on the right timing… It’s a pretty good relationship.” In addition, reports out of fall camp say the 6′-2″ receiver is a great blocker, an important commodity in the Malzahn offense.

* Prince Tega Wanagho, Offensive tackle

Wanagho is a remarkable story. With only one year of football experience he was ranked by Rivals, Scout, 247 Sports and ESPN among the top 10 strong-side defensive ends in his class. Recruited to use his height and speed at defense end he was moved last year to the O-Line.

A swimmer and basketball player in high school, he has tremendous athleticism. And at 6’7” his long arms help him with blocking assignments. Auburn offensive guard Mike Horton said. “His athleticism is one of the biggest things that I think helps him. And he’s aggressive, too.”

He played in 10 games last season for the Tigers as the backup to left tackle Darius James. But Coach Herb Hand said, “From where he was at this time last year to where he is now is an astronomical difference.” And it now appears James will move to the right side and the Prince will take over the all important left tackle position guarding the quarterbacks’ blind side. That’s a big assignment to be trusted with and the veteran hand believes he can handle it.

* Sal Cannella, Tight End/WE

A versatile player, Cannela could play tight end or wide receiver. Tight End position had not been utilized much in the Malzahn passing game except for blocking assignments but when the TE is part of the passing game it brings another dimension to the table. The Tigers have thrown a forward pass to the tight end only two times in the past two seasons and both were touchdowns. That is expected to change under Chip Lindsey who has a reputation for incorporating tight ends into his game plan.

Enter Canella who caught 31 receptions for 521 yards and seven scores last year at Scottsdale Community College where he finished his time in Arizona as the No. 1 JUCO tight end in the country.

His versatility reminds Auburn tailback Kerryon Johnson of fomer Tiger, C.J. Uzomah. “He catches a lot of contested balls, he’s a big target, he knows how to use his body to block off defenders,” said Johnson.. “He knows how to go and get the ball. He’s a sneaky athlete. I think he’s going to be very big for us this year … I think he’s got it all.”

While Jalen Harris seems to be entrenched in the position, Lindsey may run a two TE set, lining Harris up beside the tackle and moving Cannella out wide as a receiver making the defense having to respect two big guys.

* Jarrett Stidham, Quarterback

The last on the list is no surprise. Stidham came to Auburn as the nation’s No. 1 JUCO transfer.  He threw for 1,265 yards and 12 touchdowns in three starts as a freshman at Baylor. Coming off the bench in his first career appearance he threw for 419 yards and three touchdowns against Kansas State.

When he announced his intention to transfer, he immediately became a focus of the national media to see where he would land. Through spring and fall camp he has not disappointed. Jarrett received the A-Day MVP award after hitting four passes of 30 yards or more while completing 16 of his 20 passes for 267 yards – in just one half of play.

Many think he may be the best passer that Malzahn has ever had. In addition he will be paired with one of the most touted group of wide receivers that Auburn has fielded in along time. If he can live up to his billing, the Tigers should a have big year in 2017.

Those are my picks. I would be interested in seeing yours.

War Eagle!

The post Four Auburn Players Poised to Have a Breakout Year on Offense in 2017 appeared first on Track 'Em Tigers, Auburn's oldest and most read independent blog.



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