2010 Auburn Running Backs

Football season is almost here and there are now only 12 days until Auburn kicks off their 2010 season. The opening game against Arkansas State should allow the Tiger running backs to get off to a good start before SEC matchups begin in week 2 @ Mississippi State. As mentioned in the previous Auburn team analysis, the school is known as “Running Back U” and that aspect of the game has always been important to this team and will be key to their success in 2010.

As we look back to the statistics of 2009, you will notice their rushing offense accounted for 212 yards per game and was 4th in the SEC and 13th in the nation. The season totals are 2756 yards and 24 touchdowns. Almost half of those yards belonged to a man named Ben Tate, who has moved on to play football on Sundays (after he recuperates from a preseason injury).

With that many yards missing from the rushing offense, Auburn will need a few tailbacks to step up in 2010. Before we get into bigger details, let’s look at the returning players at this position: Mario Fannin and Onterio McCalebb. Fannin averaged 21 rushing yards per game in 2009 and McCalebb averaged 51.4 rushing yards per game. Their roles will increase in 2010, but their production will need a significant increase as well.

Before we go into more detail on these Auburn players, let’s look at Gus Malzahn, Auburn’s offensive coordinator and a big reason for the previous success of the running game. Malzahn has coached in 55 collegiate games as offensive coordinator for Arkansas, Tulsa, and Auburn. In those games, Malzahn’s offenses have averaged 220.5 yards per game on the ground with an amazing 5.22 yards per carry. According to this article by Stat Tiger at AuburnEagle.com, “His two offenses within the Southeastern Conference averaged 5.38 yards per rush. His running game has reached at least 150-yards rushing in 75 percent of their games and over 200-yards in 55 percent. This is the primary reason why the percentage of plays executed over the last 4 seasons have been 58 percent run. All four of his offenses yielded at least one 1000-yard rusher to accompany an exciting pass-offense.”

Those are very impressive numbers and a good track record that will benefit Auburn during the 2010 season. Add that experience to Auburn’s running backs coach, Curtis Luper, who has plenty experience of his own. According to Athlon Sports, “Luper raised eyebrows by predicting that Tate would finish his career with a 1,000-yard season, but Tate ended up reaching that milestone with plenty of room to spare. So Luper repeated the prediction for Fannin this spring.” This bodes well for Mario Fannin.

Now let’s look at the main options for Auburn’s 2010 Running Game:

Mario Fannin - Running Back

1. Mario Fannin
Sports Illustrated says “Senior Mario Fannin has been a do-it-all offensive player, blocking, catching passes and playing several positions — but never achieving the stardom that many had predicted for him. He’s now the first in line to replace Tate as the Tigers’ every-down back.” Fannin was second on Auburn’s team last year in receptions (42 receptions, 413 yards, 3 TDs). He is a large running back and should be able to handle the workload in the SEC.

Onterio McCalebb - Running Back

2. Onterio McCalebb
An article on Auburn Eagle said this about Onterio McCalebb: “In his first game, he rushed for 148 yards and a score. Following that, he reached the century mark again, rushing for 114 yards and 1 touchdown. McCalebb then suffered an injury during the Ball State game, which affected his performance for the rest of the season. He ended the season 565 yards and 4 TDs. During the offseason McCalebb went from 165 lbs to 175 lbs, and hopes to be around 185 lbs by kickoff. McCalebb could be the Tiger’s home run threat with his speed, and if healthy, should be an important part of the running game.”

Michael Dyer - Running Back

3. Michael Dyer
Dyer is 5’9 and 200 pounds. He has speed and should receive some playing time from the beginning of the season. Dyer is considered to be one of Auburn’s biggest recruiting coups in years and many fans have already penciled him in as the No. 1 back in 2010. It may take time for him to learn the offense, but he should have the opportunity to get on the field and show what he brings to the running game. I can’t imagine him being more than a contributor this year.

LaDarious Phillips - Running Back

4. LaDarious Phillips
The running backs article at Auburn Eagle said this about LaDarious: “Phillips was brought in at the last minute in the 2010 class. If there’s one definite about him, it’s the fact that he’s a very talented athlete. Phillips was brought in to be a short down back, which is something that plagued the Tiger’s offense last season. At 280 lbs. Phillips should be a hard guy to take down. Even though he may only see time on short down plays, he could be the player that Auburn desperately needed for short yard rushing situations last season.” He does have an ankle injury that could delay his impact towards the running game.

Cameron Newton - Quarterback

5. Cameron Newton
Stat Tiger at Auburn Eagle said this about Cam Newton: “The starting quarterback should be an active part of the Auburn running game and an aspect yet to be seen in a Gus Malzahn offense on a frequent basis. He is likely to be No.4 in rush attempts this season and possibly higher depending on how the games play out this season. Just his presence on the field, should open up running lanes for the other backs, especially in the zone-read. Though he won’t be utilized in the same fashion Tim Tebow was utilized at Florida, Newton will make a significant contribution to the Auburn running game. Look for more moving pockets and sprint out pass-run options for Newton in 2010. Protecting the football, while moving around will be his primary concern in the running game.”

As you can see, although Auburn lacks experience at running back and may not end up with a 1,000 yard running back, they have talent and will have a strong running game in 2010.