Auburn's Adams Asserts Himself As Receiving Threat In SEC

As the 2008 season broke into action, the nation was introduced to two freshman phenoms, both making big plays in the receiving department:

Five-star recruit from Folley, Alabama, Julio Jones was making John Parker Wilson and the rest of the Crimson Tide offense look unbeatable, while AJ Green, a five-star recruit from Summerville, South Carolina, appeared to be the perfect complement to Mohammed Massaquoi.

As the season continued and both receivers established themselves as obvious starters, they garnered more and more national attention.

Green went on to lead the SEC in total receiving yardage, with Jones behind him by 41 yards.

In 2009, both were named to pre-season All-American teams with projections for both to have big sophomore years.

But so far, it's another receiver in Alabama making waves in the press for his receiving ability.

Darvin Adams, also a member of that famous class, yet an unsung recruiting gem, is making Auburn's offense look like world beaters, and rightfully so.

Through four games, Auburn's offense has the nation’s highest offensive production in the nation at 2105 yards.

For a receiving corp, who in the last few seasons certainly has not lived up to its potential, Coach Gene Chizik and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn brought in heralded wide receiver coach, recruiter, and all-around cheerleader Trooper Taylor.

With freshman receivers Emory Blake and DeAngelo Benton garnering much of the press, The three-star recruit Adams was able to make Taylor's six-man rotation relatively under the radar after his two-catch performance last season.

So far, Darvin has caught 20 passes for just over 330 yards with five touchdowns—the most in the SEC so far this season. 

In comparison, Georgia's Green has caught 25 balls for just over 400 yards and four touchdowns, while Alabama's Jones has caught only seven passes for just over 100 yards and a touchdown.

Jones' touchdown, versus Arkansas last week, was his first in 11 games.

By no means do I write this article to say that Darvin Adams is a better student-athlete than either of the other two names mentioned here, but the sophomore has certainly asserted himself as a major threat in an already very dangerous Auburn offense.

After the season, when and if everyone is raving about the quality of young receivers in the SEC, keep an eye and an ear out for the mention of Adams.