Getting that Auburn Tiger back into the tank
But the team must replace the production of running back Kerryon Johnson, who has announced that he will skip his senior season and enter the 2018 NFL Draft. Perhaps it is the knowledge that Auburn will be losing four of its five starting offensive linemen which helped Johnson with that decision?
Auburns offensive line is not a complete rebuild. Due to injuries in the season, the team returns three offensive linemen with some level of starting in the 2017 season. Auburn has a solid 2018 recruiting class of 22 recruits, led by 4-star running back Asa Martin, 4-star offensive guard Jalil Irvin, and 3-star offensive tackle Kameron Stutts. Per early reports, expect the Huskies to witness the effort of Martin to claim a starting role in the backfield.
Auburn passing attack intact
Meanwhile, Auburn will benefit from the return of quarterback Jarrett Stidham. He is a transfer student from Baylor University who had his first season for the Auburn Tigers. In his first year, he piloted the offense admirably, taking the team to a 10-4 season with wins over both Georgia and Alabama.
He will be joined by his favorite target, wide receiver Ryan Davis. Davis pulled in 84 catches for 815 yards and five touchdowns last season. Another favored target is wide receiver Darius Slayton. While Slayton only pulled in 29 receptions, he accounted for 643 yards and one touchdown.