Today's newspaper story is about how Auburn's receivers have embraced their role as blockers. Here's how it starts:
AUBURN, Ala. — As Onterio McCalebb raced down the field on his 70-yard, game-winning touchdown run against LSU, Auburn’s wide receivers picked themselves up off the ground behind the play, satisfied with the role they had in it.
Emory Blake chipped a linebacker, Kodi Burns picked up a cornerback while Terrell Zachery buried another 15 yards downfield, springing McCalebb to the perimeter, virtually untouched.
“We knew we were a big part of that play and we made that play spring like it did,” Blake said. “We take a lot of pride in blocking on the perimeter.”
The offensive line has gotten the bulk of credit for the Tigers’ rushing success, and rightfully so, but the blocking by Auburn’s wide receivers has played a major role in helping the team turn itself into a rushing juggernaut.
“The guys have bought in,” Auburn wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor said. “They’re doing a great job. And they understand with the backs and the quarterback we have, if you get them on the perimeter, they have the chance to score.”
2 comments:
Great story, AB! Thanks!
There's nothing more pleasurable than running the ball down the other team's throat, especially when they know it's coming.
I have noticed an improvement in blocking by the receivers. I've stopped the DVR several times to point it out to my kids. I explain that the key part of the play wasn't the running back, it was the excellent blocking downfield that allowed the back to get to the endzone. Coach Talyor is earning his paycheck.
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