Auburn Football: Young Players Who Can Turn Tigers Around

The Auburn Tigers have been on the downside of things lately and need a quick turnaround. The SEC West is getting stronger, and the Tigers will need their men to step up in order to compete.

The Tigers recruited fairly well, and with a new head coach, things are looking positive. Still, those players who have had the experience will need to show their strength. 

Three young talents may be able to bring the Auburn Tigers back into competitive play.

Freshman wide receiver Sammie Coates will be an asset to Auburn for the upcoming season. Finishing the season with six receptions for 114 yards and two touchdowns, Coates had an impressive freshman season.

It can only go up from there.

If Auburn can get its quarterback into a rhythm, Coates can make plays for this offense. He is quick and hard to tackle due to his burly stature. Expect Coates to become a household name for Tigers fans.

Freshman quarterback Jonathan Wallace will also play a big role in Auburn's future turnaround. Although sophomore back Tre Mason was used primarily this past season, Wallace's ability to run had a positive effect for the Tigers.

Auburn's constant shuffle during games may have thrown Wallce's rhythm as a QB, but Wallace could be the future quarterback. He will have to compete with fellow quarterback Kiehl Frazier, Wallace stands a chance at getting the job.

Even if he doesn't, the Tigers can use his legs to create more depth on offense. Wallace could bring different facets to Auburn, which will unsettle opponents.

Defensive back Jonathan Jones can give Auburn some power. In every game he played as a freshman, he contributed at least one tackle, seven of which were solo tackles. Auburn will need someone to rev up the defense, and Jones can be the one to do this.

Jones had an impressive game against the Ole Miss Rebels in which he made seven tackles. Though the game ended in a loss, Jones has the experience of facing an SEC offense. This experience will be helpful for the 2013 season.

Jones will have a chance to perhaps start this upcoming season. He has the spring to grow and mature defensively, which will be important against SEC opponents. The confidence is there; now all he has to do is execute.