Reloading: Auburn's backfield in 2015 will be just as good
The Auburn offense will look different in 2015. Explosive players like Nick Marshall and Sammie Coates, along with workhorses Cameron Artis-Payne and Duke Williams, all have announced or are expected to depart. That leaves a cast of new characters to rev up Gus Malzahn’s “hurry-up, no-huddle” attack.
Before we go off talking all offseason about how the offense will be more pass-centric with Jeremy Johnson under center, let’s look at who Auburn returns in the backfield and who it brings in with its 2015 recruiting class.
Because as it stands today, the Tigers are likely to again field another top-five rushing offense next season.
It’s true. We scratched our heads wondering how Malzahn could replace the tandem of Marshall and Heisman finalist Tre Mason. He followed that act up with an equally-as-good duo of Marshall and Artis-Payne. Both backs led the SEC in rushing, while Marshall provided a lethal threat with his legs, capable to reel off a long touchdown run at any point.
Johnson won’t be that kind of running threat in 2015, but Auburn has more than its share of talent in the backfield. The Tigers return freshmen Roc Thomas, Peyton Barber and Kamryn Pettway, in addition to welcoming top JUCO tailback Jovon Robinson and four-star running back D’Anfernee McGriff.
Will we see all of those players have major roles in 2015? It’s not likely.
Some combination of that quintet will have produce major results on the ground for Auburn, though.
Thomas showed signs of his upside this season, performing well early in the loss to Mississippi State in October. Midway through the season, Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee gave Thomas more of role early in games, and the five-star Oxford, Ala., native answered. His 36 yards on three carries against the Bulldogs left an impression on coaches, though the 21-point first quarter deficit forced the Tigers to go away from that plan.
Barber didn’t see as much game action as a true freshmen, though he has impressed teammates in practice. The 5-foot-11, 225-pound tailback has the capability to be a big play back for the Tigers. As a true freshman redshirting in 2013, Barber built a reputation as an all-around back, with both power and elusiveness. During his second season on the Plains, however, Barber’s become much more comfortable with the playbook.
Like Thomas, the 2014 campaign was Pettway’s first on the Plains, and though he didn’t see any time, the Prattville, Ala., native had chances in fall camp and throughout the season in practice to show his potential. Auburn’s biggest back at 6-feet, 239-pounds, Pettway the power back in the Auburn backfield. He runs north-south, and is very physical.
With those three returning, it seems hard to believe the Tigers’ backfield could get any more crowded. Add in Robinson and McGriff and the tailback spot will be an interesting competition to watch throughout the spring and fall.
Robinson’s 2013 season at Georgia Military College is what vaulted him back onto the national radar. He left Auburn after just three practices in 2012 after being declared academically ineligible. He figures to be placed in the thick of the competition with Thomas, Barber and Pettway for the starting job.
The other newcomer, McGriff likely will receive a redshirt in 2015. The rookie is a heralded prospect from Tallahassee, Fla. A quarterback at Tallahassee’s Leon High School, he projects as a running back at the collegiate level. McGriff told AL.com last summer Auburn coaches have assured him he’ll have a shot at the position.
What was once a pass-heavy offensive attack for Malzahn, the second-year head coach has gained a reputation at Auburn — first as a coordinator and now as a head coach — for attracting the top running backs in the country.
He has a plethora of weapons at his disposal, and with his creativity, Auburn running backs are preparing to dominate the SEC again in 2015.