Auburn OC Chip Lindsey on narrowing RB depth chart: ‘It will come down to who you trust most in pass protection’
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While many valuable contributors are set to return for Auburn next season, one of the key position groups that faces some serious scrutiny heading into the offseason is in the Tigers’ backfield.
Kerryon Johnson and Kam Pettway both left the program with college eligibility remaining which forces Auburn’s succession plan at running back to be accelerated ahead of schedule but that doesn’t mean the Tigers aren’t lacking for quality options this spring. According to offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, the team is currently giving five running backs a chance to impress during camp.
During his most recent media availability, Lindsey noted that the two backs with the most experience have shown the most thus far in spring camp.
“Yeah, we’re still rotating those guys through. I think Kam (Martin) and Malik (Miller) our two veterans guys, I say veteran — that have played the most — those guys have done a nice job. I think they are continuing to improve,” Lindsey said. “You kinda got, as a coach and maybe the quarterback, you got some confidence in them because they played, right? I think those guys are continuing to grow.”
Considering they combined to rush for over 580 yards and three touchdowns last fall, it’s no surprise to see Martin and Miller feel at ease on the practice field this spring. While that was to be expected, Auburn’s offensive coordinator shared his thoughts on the team’s less established runners.
“I think (JaTarvious) Boobie Whitlow is continuing to get better and better, he’s a young guy that needs some reps. (Devan) Barrett has looked good at times. Asa Martin has some natural instincts running between the tackles, so I really like what he can do,” Lindsey said. “I noticed today he got out and caught some option routes, so that was good.”
If there’s one key that will separate those that play versus those that don’t, it comes down to pass protection for Lindsey.
“Overall, like I’ve told you before,” Lindsey continued, “that group is a talented group, we just need to figure out what combination we are going to play with… It will come down to who you trust the most in pass protection, which is huge for me in a coordinator’s seat… A lot of time, for young backs, it’s more about playing without the ball than with the ball.”
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
