Auburn Football: What You Need to Know About Tigers' RB Depth

The Auburn Tigers are heading into the fall with the most talented group of running backs since the Chizik era began. Knowing the Tigers will rely heavily on the rushing attack this fall, there are a number of things that you need to know about the Tigers backfield before the season kicks off.

The Tigers have a number of options to turn to in the backfield with each player bringing a unique set of skills to the field. Auburn returns two experienced tailbacks in 2012, and a supporting cast of backs that were among the best in the country as recruits. 

When Auburn kicks off against Clemson in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic, the running game will be the driving force behind offensive success. Taking an in-depth look at the Tigers running backs, here are the things you should know about them:

The Most Talented Backfield of the Chizik Era

When Gene Chizik arrived at Auburn the running game became an instant focus. It is no secret that success in the SEC is almost always coupled with a formidable rushing attack.

In Chizik’s first year, Ben Tate, Onterio McCalebb and Mario Fannin were carrying the entire rushing load. McCalebb and Fannin were both injured early, placing a lot of responsibility on the back of Tate. 

Tate had a great season and carried the Tigers in a number of games.

In 2010 the Tigers were able to rely on true freshman Michael Dyer, McCalebb and star quarterback Cam Newton to produce yards on the ground. In 2011, the Tigers had McCalebb, Dyer and true freshman Tre Mason to carry the load. 

Dyer played sparingly, leaving a lot of carries to McCalebb. Tre Mason came on strong late, but Auburn battled finding consistency from the running back position. 

This season the Tigers return McCalebb and Mason, and welcome two star transfers in Corey Grant and Mike Blakely. Add four-star recruit Jovon Robinson to the mix and the Tigers have five former four-star recruits carrying the football.

With All-American Jay Prosch added to the fold, Auburn has the most talented backfield in the Gene Chizik era.

Speed and Strength Is Abundant

The Gene Chizik staff has done an amazing job landing a talented group of running backs in the past four years. Auburn has the ability to call on both power and speed from the backfield, which will prove dangerous for opposing defenses this fall. 

Auburn has power backs, speed backs and backs that are a balance of both skill sets. 

The Tigers will look for contribution from every back on roster this coming season, but finding one or two feature guys will be the best answer for the Auburn offense. There are three backs that are likely to carry the feature label this fall. 

Tre Mason, Mike Blakely and Corey Grant are all balanced enough with speed and power to be candidates for Auburn’s featured back role. Onterio McCalebb will be a solid contributor, but he is not an every-down type player. 

New Offensive Coordinator Scot Loeffler has a great problem at running back. Auburn has elite speed and strength at running back leaving every option open offensively this fall.

Tigers Return Two Experienced Backs

Auburn will head into the new season with two experienced ball carries on the depth chart. Onterio McCalebb is entering his fourth and final season on the Plains, while Tre Mason is a rising sophomore. 

Onterio McCalebb has been an integral part of the Auburn offense in all three of his seasons as a Tiger. That role will continue this season, as his experience, leadership and lightning speed will be put to good use. 

Tre Mason burst onto the scene as a kick returner for the Tigers last year. Mason returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the opening contest against Utah State. 

Mason was used sparingly during the season at running back, finishing the 2011 season with his strongest performance in Chick-fil-A Bowl. He rushed for 64 yards on nine carries and scored one touchdown.

With McCalebb being a salty veteran and Mason moving into his second season, the Tigers have more experience than most realize in the backfield. Both Mason and McCalebb will be called on early to make plays and jumpstart Auburn’s offensive attack.

Transfers Will Be Major Players

When Auburn heads into the 2012 season, there will be three transfers in the backfield looking to make huge impacts. 

Corey Grant, Mike Blakely and Jay Prosch are all transfers for the Tigers. Grant came from Alabama, Blakely came from Florida and Prosch transferred from Illinois.

Each player had a different reason that led to transfer, but all three will have common goals. Production value from these three players looks to be very high. 

Both Blakely and Grant will be contenders for the feature back role this season, while Prosch will be the lead blocker for the offense. All three transfers will be major contributors to the Tigers offensive success in 2012. 

The Running Game Will Guide the Offense

Auburn has built its offensive foundation on running the football. When the Auburn rushing attack is plowing through opposing defenses, the Tigers offense is at its best. 

Scot Loeffler has made it no secret that running the football is a primary goal for this offense. Loeffler’s track record indicates that Tigers fans looking for an offense that churns up yards in the ground game won’t be disappointed. 

Loeffler took the Temple offense from No. 67 in the country in rushing in 2010 to No. 7 in rushing during the 2011 season. His first season at Auburn will be a disappointment if the Tigers don’t see the same type growth. 

Auburn was ranked No. 32 in rushing a year ago. With an offense that will be play-action heavy and reliant on the talented backs early, this ranking will increase this season. 

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