Rising sophomore Devan Barrett's athleticism will be needed across the offense this spring.
The Tampa, Florida product will play both tailback and wide receiver at Auburn's A-Day scrimmage this Saturday, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn announced Thursday.
"He's the type where you need to find a way to get him the ball," Malzahn said. "With the injuries at wide receiver we moved him out."
Barrett will play the flanker position at wideout and will also tout the rock from the backfield, according to Malzahn, who added that Barrett's move is in response to ACL injuries to receivers Eli Stove and Will Hastings.
"He's got a unique skill set," Malzahn said. "He was very good on the perimeter last year, and he can catch the ball. He catches the ball like a wide receiver. It's good for our team and good for him to be versatile like that."
For now, the dual role isn't permanent. Malzahn said he will reevaluate the depth chart at both receiver and running back, then decide how to move forward with practice reps.
RELATED: Makeshift wide receiving corps to be on display at A-Day
Barrett, who caught 10 passes for 33 yards and a touchdown last season, took reps at receiver Tuesday, according to a report from 247 Sports. That night, he was present in a picture of the receivers at quarterbacks at Malzahn's home, after his absence from the running backs photo the night before.
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