Auburn Running Backs Expected To Carry The Load In 2010

The most celebrated position on the Auburn football team is that of running back. There is a long and storied history for that position at the school. It is also a very essential position for offensive coordinator Gus Malzhan's offensive strategy.

Running backs coach Curtis Luper has worked wonders with the running backs at Auburn. His assessment of Auburn running backs can be found here and here .

We all know that running back Dontae Aycock was removed from the team due to a violation of team rules. Now it is time to take a look at this position for 2010.

Auburn had the thirteenth ranked rushing offense in the nation in 2009. It is based on a very strong power rushing attack that is augmented by an updated single wing type misdirection and deception attack.

Running Backs

Mario Fannin is a 5’11” 227 lbs. hard nosed senior running back. Luper has predicted that he will eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in 2010. He has had a very productive career with the Tigers. He was a highly regarded recruit and will be expected to produce as such in this, his final season. He possesses sub 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash and is a threat from anywhere on the field.

Onterio McCalebb is a 5’10” 165 lbs. sophomore running back. He had a productive freshman season. He is both quick and possesses sub 4.4 speed in the 40, he was a highly regarded recruit .

Michael Dyer is a 5’8” 220 lbs. true freshman. He is one of the highest regarded recruits ever to attend Auburn. He has several confirmed sub 4.4 times in the 40.

Travante Stallworth is a 5’9” 180 lbs. receiver/all purpose back. He has sub 4.4 speed and will be on the roster as a receiver, but is certainly a rushing threat.

Auburn full backs can be found here.

Auburn is not deep at running back this year. There is adequate depth, but certainly not as much as wanted. If the Tigers had two more good all purpose backs this year they would see immediate playing time.

Auburn fans can expect athletes like Trovon Reed to get some rushing action out of the wing/slot position.