Auburn Tigers Running Back Breakdown
Original SEC Sports Hub Article:
Auburn, commonly referred to as โRunning Back Uโ lacked the high-caliber back that they are accustomed to having in 2007. This was largely due to Brad Lesterโs ineligibility for the majority of the season, and Lester will return this year to lead a talented young running back position.ย
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He will be aided by the talented Ben Tate. Behind an offensive line that returns four starters, these running backs should put on a clinic in the SEC. Auburnโs running backs are experienced and talented, and should be one of the strengths of Auburnโs team heading into the 2008 season.ย
Brad Lester was ineligible for most of the 2007 season, but when he was available Auburn was a different team. Lester brings with him a running style and leadership that take the Tiger offense to a different level. He should have a large impact on the Tigerโs fortunes in 2008.ย
Ben Tate is also a very talented player who defenders can never seem to bring down on the first try. Tate runs with great power and seldom has a run without bouncing off at least one tackler.ย
Senior Tristan Davis is another solid running back, with better speed than Tate and Lester. He will not see a ton of touches, but should come in to give the guys ahead of him a breather, and he will be a contributor on those plays.ย
Mario Fannin is perhaps the most purely talented and athletic of Auburnโs skill players. He is likely to see more action split outside in a Percy Harvin-type role, but he should still see some touches out of the backfield. He has a rare combination of speed and power and has the potential to pass anyone above him on the depth chart if he is used as a full time running back.ย
Auburnโs running backs will enjoy the luxury of running behind one of the best offensive lines in the SEC, and that spells trouble for their SEC foes.ย
Auburn is notorious for being able to ride their running backs throughout entire games to manage the clock, and keep the ball away from their opponents. Coach Tommy Tuberville is one of the best in the business at clock management, and with the running backs at his disposal, opposing teams might be forced to score every time they get the ball.ย
This position group alone makes Auburn a legitimate contender for the SEC Title and even a darkhorse contender for the National Title.ย
If you want to read other position breakdowns just like this for every SEC team, check out SEC Sports Hub
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