Auburn Football: Tigers' Best Options to Replace RB Michael Dyer

Michael Dyer's roller-coaster career as an Auburn Tiger came to an end in January, when the offensive MVP of the 2011 BCS Championship Game, which crowned Auburn as 2010 national champs, decided to follow former Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn out the door to Arkansas State.

Big problem, right?

Maybe not.  

Auburn has a stable of running backs waiting in the wings, so Dyer's absence won't leave the major hole that some are predicting.  Who will tote the rock for the Tigers in 2012?  Here are a few options: 

Onterio McCalebb (Senior)

McCalebb has been the changeup back on the Plains for the last three years, so it's only natural to assume that he's going to be the guy to take over as the feature back.

Even after three years, questions remain if the 5'9", 170-pound McCalebb can handle the punishment that being an every-down running back in the SEC entails.  

McCalebb is as tough as they come, but his size will prevent him from having the type of season that Auburn fans became accustomed to with Dyer. 

Tre Mason (Sophomore)

Mason didn't see the field much in his freshman year, but with Dyer suspended for the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, he did have a solid 64-yard performance.  

The 5'10", 190-pounder from Lake Worth, Fla. is built like Dyer, and has decent speed to complement.  In the limited action that Mason saw last year, he averaged 5.8 yards per carry.  Not bad, but can he sustain it?

Mason has the size and skills to be more of a hybrid back that can run between the tackles but also make plays in space. 

Corey Grant (Sophomore)

Grant sat out last season after transferring from Alabama to Auburn.  A native of nearby Opelika, Ala., Grant impressed coaches last fall so much that he earned scout team offensive performer of the year honors.  

The 5'10", 190-pound walk-on further impressed coaches during offseason conditioning, where he posted a 4.24 40-yard dash.  If you want a likely replacement as the changeup back, Grant is it. 

Mike Blakely (Freshman)

Blakely was a hot-shot recruit in the 2011 class but enrolled early with Florida.  After spring practice, he transferred to Auburn and was forced to sit out his transfer year.  

At 5'9," 205 pounds, Blakely appears to be more suited to take the pounding that comes with being a running back in the SEC.  Plus, his 4.4 speed can be used as a receiver out of the backfield.  

The coaches are high on Blakely, so don't be surprised to see him emerge as an every-down running back for the Tigers. 

Jovon Robinson (Freshman)

Robinson won't join the Tigers until the summer, but he is the type of recruit that can step in and make an immediate impact—much like Dyer did in 2010.  

At 6'1", 220, Robinson is already built to take the pounding.  The others will have a head start, but don't be surprised to see Robinson make a push before the seasons starts.

Can one player replace Dyer?  No. His loss will certainly be felt.  But Auburn has a stable of running backs that, if used properly by new offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler, can fill that void.