Auburn was off Wednesday, so I took the break as an opportunity to take a step back and look at what freshmen might contribute this season. Here's how today's article starts:AUBURN, Ala. — When Auburn signed a consensus top-five recruiting class last February, the prevailing thought was that this was the group that would replenish the Tigers’ dwindled ranks, something the team would benefit from in the long term.Read the whole thing here. Also, follow the blog on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook.
Now that the season is approaching — only 16 days before the opener against Arkansas State — there are high hopes this talented class can be big contributors in the short term.
“I think you will understand why our whole class chose to come here,” five-star freshman running back Michael Dyer said. “Each one in our class has a specific get-up about themselves. They’re all good, have great ability, all good people. …
“I think this unit has really bonded together and is ready to play at any time.”
I gave my best guess to rank the freshmen in order of how much they might contribute this year. Here they are. Half the class was left of because, quite honestly, they probably won't do much this year. (There's not much you can do if you're a safety or offensive lineman this year.) Click on the article to see my reasoning:
1. WR Trovon ReedAnybody too high on the list? Too low? Unfairly omitted? Let me know what you think in the comments section below.
2. RB Michael Dyer
3. DE Corey Lemonier
4. DT Jeffrey Whitaker
5. DE Craig Sanders
6. CB Jonathon Mincy
7. WR Shaun Kitchens
8. LB Jake Holland
9. WR Antonio Goodwin
10. DT Kenneth Carter
11. FB Ladarious Phillips
12. LB LaDarius Owens
13. CB Chris Davis
14. P Steven Clark
11 comments:
Excellent list, although some help may be needed at safety if Etheridge turns out to not be ready.
Curry may surprise you
I think Dyer is boom or bust this year. Frankly, I hope the latter. We already have a bunch of pass catchers in the backfield, and unless he is a phenom in the recieving department I dont see much PT in that department. Otherwise, I hope that Mario and McCaleb have excellent rushing seasons, which again, unless he is truly a man amongst boys, would mean that there is not much PT to be had by Mr. Dyer. This running back U, if there ever was a position where freshmen dont play its RB. McCaleb was an exception last year attributable to the installation of a new offense.
tptoomers: you hope Dyer is a bust? Dyer needs to play this year. Fannin and McCaleb play different positions and someone is going to need to spell Fannin from time to time.
I think Dyer is critical to this season's success.
I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Dyer the starting RB and Fannin back at H-back by the third or fourth game.
That lineup gives us the best chance to win, but it depends on Dyer being a fast learner.
Work FB Ladarious Phillips at RB. In the red zone or need 1yd 4th? Run over your opponent with a wishbone or triple eye with the likes of Ladarious Phillips, Mario, McCaleb, Dyer, Smith etc. Pull your tight end or guard with this trio..! Red zone would be unstoppable with plays out of that formation. Plow
Agree with top 5. I'd move Phillips up the list. AU sucked on 3rd and short last season. I expect Phillips will get some 3rd and short carries in addition to a few goal line carries.
I agree with Anonymous's 7:14 post.
i didnt mean I hope he sucks this year, i just meant I hope we dont need him. by bust I meant low statistical numbers, not poor performance.
I think Steven Clark should move way up the list because he is booming the ball. I believe Ladarious Phillips has a better chance to play than Dyer due to his size advantage and Auburn's short yardage struggles from last year.
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