Auburn’s depth chart is a “little bit closer” to being completed.
Following Auburn’s second scrimmage of fall camp Wednesday morning, head coach Gus Malzahn discussed an emphasis of holding onto the football while working on roster rotations.
“The guys that can protect the football, as a coach, you’ve got confidence putting them in early,” Malzahn said. “The guys that can’t, you don’t. It’s that simple.”
Both Malzahn and fullback Chandler Cox said that the scrimmage was run-oriented and featured 100-plus plays. The pair added that each running back, including the freshmen, had impressed.
“Run the ball downhill and be tough, that’s what the coaches told us today,” Cox said.
Despite two fumbles from unnamed players, the head coach praised the talent present in his new backfield. Newcomer Shaun Shivers and redshirt freshman JaTarvious Whitlow each had touchdowns while Devan Barrett continued his progression as a wide receiver.
“You can see the light coming on [for Barrett],” Malzahn said. “He’s versatile.”
Barrett, who made a move to wide receiver in April, had 14 carries for 84 yards in 14 games last season. Participating as a receiver for most of the scrimmage, Barrett’s transition allowed for incoming players to get an opportunity in the backfield.
Harold Joiner, the fifth-ranked running back in the class of 2017 by 247Sports, also received reps.
“We wanted to see what [Joiner] could do running the ball today,” Malzahn said. “He’s a matchup problem.”
In addition to evaluating the backfield, the head coach said that his team was
Mike Horton, who started seven games at left guard in 2017 and received some reps at center during fall camp, was kept at right guard during the scrimmage.
Though Malzahn said that there are some questions left to be answered, he said that he and his coaching staff are impressed with the team’s direction thus far.
“As far as the starters, there will be some discussion,” Malzahn said. “Once we narrow things down, we’ve got some very talented guys that will have a chance to help.”
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