Auburn has long been known as a hot bed of running backs. Over the past 25 years, since Bo Jackson’s Heisman Trophy winning season, Auburn has been a running back pipeline to the NFL.
The recent news surrounding running back Michael Dyer is not good. The only thing we know for sure is he won’t be on the field for the Chick-fil-A Bowl against the University of Virginia on New Year’s Eve.
What will Auburn’s gameplan be in Dyer’s absence? Dyer’s backfield mate, junior Onterrio McCalebb will likely maintain his role as a change of pace, excelling on wide jet sweeps.
In the short term, expect true freshman Tre Mason to start in Dyer’s place against the Cavaliers. Mason burst upon the scene early this season as a kick returner, but his snaps from scrimmage have been minimal due in large part to Dyer’s durability. After that, the options are very limited. Junior Anthony Morgan was converted back to running back from defensive back over the summer due to depth concerns, but he has been out due to injury all season. Jumbo redshirt freshman Ladarious Phillips is available, but the 300 pounder has seen limited action, mostly as a blocker. True freshman Quan Bray is a possibility, again, just for the short term and in a limited fashion as he has been serving as a slot receiver this season.
Dyer’s future with Auburn is an uknown. Perhaps his suspension is only for the bowl game and he will be back with the team in January readying himself for spring practice. There is also the possibility that the suspension is more serious in nature and Dyer will not return. In the long term, Auburn is in very good shape, perhaps more so than any position on their roster. McCalebb is eligible for the NFL draft and may go that route, opening up both starting spots for 2012.
Lets take a look at what Auburn will be working with at running back for 2012 and beyond.
Senior
Onterrio McCalebb 5’11” 175 – has excelled in his niche…. made great contributions during the championship run of ’10… both quick and fast.
Anthony Morgan 5’11” 195 – recruited by Auburn as a running back… was switched to defensive back early on in his career… moved back to RB due to depth concerns prior to ’11 season.
Junior
Michael Dyer 5’9″ 210 – Auburn chose Dyer over Marcus Lattimore and Lache Seastrunk during 2010 recruiting in what was an embarrsment of riches…. on the field, Dyer has not disappointed.
Sophomore
Tre Mason 5’10” 190 – With anticipated depth problems heading into this season, Mason was one of the more important recruits in the ’11 class. With Dyer’s iron man durability, his playing time as a true freshman was minimal.
Ladarious Phillips 6’0″ 291 – A project who is extremely athletic for his size…. Coaches gave him a look at defensive line during bowl practices a year ago…. playing time and contributions minimal during redshirt freshman season….. has potential as a blocker in the backfield.
Corey Grant 5’11” 193 – Local product starred at Opelika High School….. Promises were not kept in Tuscaloosa and Grant was “processee”…. Tigers were happy to bring him in…. depending on numbers, could see time as slot receiver in ’12.
Freshman
Mike Blakely (RS) 5’9″ 206 – Huge talent could develop into one of the top backs in the Southeastern Conference…. Was thought to be a heavy Auburn lean during ’10 recruting process, surprised coaches by committing to Gators, eventually transferring to Auburn.
T.J. Yeldon 6’2″ 205 – Top high school running back in Alabama and one of the best in the nation…. Just named MVP of the Alabama-Mississippi High School All-Star game… Alabama is making a late push for his attention, his response has been “War Eagle”!
Jovon Robinson 6’1″ 218 – Big powerful back tthat should be able to move the pile between the tackles…. The top running back from the state of Tennessee… Joins Yeldon at the US Army All-American game in San Antonio next month.
(Class listed is for 2012 football season)
If Dyer does not return and McCalebb opts for the NFL, Auburn will still have seven running backs to choose from. Yeldon and Robinson remain verbal commitments and while anything could happen, they appear firm and should officially sign with Auburn in February. Without Dyer and McCalebb, the group includes a 5-star, four 4-stars along with Morgan and Phillips who are role players.
Tom Blaz is a College Football Zealots contributor and co-owner of The Recruiting Eagle a website focusing on Auburn University Athletics.
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