College football in Auburn sits just 15 days away, and questions continue to surround the Tigers as they get set to face Clemson in their season opener. Almost all of those questions surround the offense and whether or not Gus Malzahn can recapture the magic that makes his offenses so popular and hard to stop. The losses of both Peyton Barber and Jovon Robinson have a put major emphasis on the running back position, and there’s still no mention of who may be starting at quarterback.
This has led many to wonder if Auburn is in for a repeat of last year’s disappointing campaign. While that may be a fair question, I think a lot of people are overlooking plenty of bright spots on the Tiger offense. It’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, there’s a lot to look forward to.
I think the most “worrisome” aspect of Auburn’s offense is its receiving core. Marcus Davis headlines the group, but the remaining spots are seemingly up for grabs. Veteran Tony Stevens could step up to play a bigger role, and it is imperative that newcomers Elijah Stove, Nate Craig, Kyle Davis, and Darius Slayton provide additional playmaking ability for this group to be productive.
Stove, Craig, and Slayton have all done impressive things in practice thus far that will lead to them playing a big role in the offense, but Kyle Davis’ impact remains to be seen as he’s been battling a foot injury for much of fall camp. I fully expect wide receivers coach Kodi Burns to have this group ready to contribute early and effectively this season. Although young, this group features a lot of talent, and that should lead to them developing into a strength for the offense.
The H-back position is in my opinion a clear cut strength for this team. Chandler Cox has completely taken over the position and is poised to have a stellar season. As I’ve stated previously, Cox (along with the offensive line, naturally) may be the most important factor in determining the success of Auburn’s running game this season. Not since Jay Prosch have we had such a strong, talented blocker complementing the ground game.
He’s no ‘one trick pony’ either. He’ll likely get a decent amount of carries and receptions out of the backfield. Whenever you look back on successful Gus Malzahn offenses, they almost always incorporate guys that are able to occupy dual roles in the offense. Chandler Cox is one of those players that gives Malzahn the flexibility and creativity to move the football in a variety of ways and bewilder opposing defenses.
The running back situation is not as dire as it may seem. While the loss of Jovon Robinson is significant, the Tigers have never had any real trouble moving the ball on the ground, and I don’t expect this year to be any different. Kerryon Johnson returns after an impressive freshmen season, having added nearly 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason. It’s safe to assume he will continue to grow as a dynamic playmaker in this offense.
Joining him in the backfield will be true freshman Kameron Martin and redshirt sophomore Kamryn Pettway. Martin has really impressed the coaches in spring and fall camps and has set himself up to play a big role in the offense. Kamryn Pettway may seem like more of an unknown quantity at tailback. Pettway’s size and mobility will allow him to take on the lion’s share of the carries and take pressure off of Kerryon Johnson to move the ball between the tackles. I think he will have a breakout season in 2016 along with Chandler Cox at the H-back position. You’re going to hear a lot of highlights involving these two (Pettway and Cox) this fall.
Finally, the quarterbacks. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a preseason quite like this one as it pertains to the quarterback position. Obviously, Auburn has yet to name a starter, and for many that’s a signal of impending doom. I do not really see it that way. Actually, not even close. Looking back to last season, I think Sean White showed he can be productive in this offense when fully healthy. Given another year of growth and learning, I’m not at all concerned about what he brings to the table.
The signing of John Franklin III added a new element to the equation but doesn’t subtract from what Auburn has overall at the position. I think that is something largely unnoticed by those crying wolf at the lack of an announcement. Losing Jovon Robinson and Peyton Barber out of the backfield seemingly creates a void in Auburn’s running game, and that has almost certainly contributed to the ongoing quarterback battle. I’m sure Gus Malzahn would love nothing more than to be able to plug in another Nick Marshall into the offense. Who wouldn’t?
At this point I think it’s safe to assume that Sean White will be the starter in the traditional sense while John Franklin III will be primarily running the wildcat early on. I’m 100% fine with that. Auburn may struggle to move the ball this season, but it will not be from lack of performance at the quarterback position. For those dreaming of a Jeremy Johnson renaissance a’la Jason Campbell in 2004, I think you are going to be disappointed. After his early season struggles a year ago, I think the coaches see returning to Johnson (barring injuries) as too much of a risk.
Overall, I think the quarterback position is in good shape heading into the season. The mishaps plaguing the offense early on 2015 will not be a factor this season. If the talent around the quarterback at the skill positions can perform close to expectations, the Tigers may not even need a game changer taking the snaps to pile up yards and move the football.
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