Although the offensive focus through the first four days of practice has been on the four-way battle at quarterback, the running game received spotlight on Monday evening.
Offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said he was impressed with the work from the running backs so far in fall camp. Like most of the other positions in Auburn's offense, the battle for playing time between Tre Mason, Corey Grant and Cameron Artis-Payne is intense--and that may continue into the season.
"If you look at the history of our system, we usually have two, sometimes three backs," Lashlee said. "Maybe there will be one who is the feature guy, but there are usually two guys we can definitely count on--and maybe one more who takes on a specific role that can take the pressure off the other guys."
Lashlee said leading returning rusher Mason, who missed part of spring practice with an ankle injury, would be durable enough as a feature back with 20+ carries a game, but he sees value in each of the three leading running backs.
"I said in the spring that there are three really good guys back there that do all different things well," Lashlee said. "It may be a running back by committee, or we could get a guy who elevates his level above everyone else. They're all working hard right now."
Mason described the competition at running back as "brotherly," saying everyone was making each other better.
"Every day, I expect competition," Mason said. "We've got such great backs. You never know what to expect from (Grant) or (Artis-Payne), and even our walk-on, Pat Lymon. It's great competition across the board."
The junior from Palm Beach, Fla., enters 2013 determined to improve on a 1,000-yard sophomore season, one of the lone offensive bright spots from the 3-9 campaign.
"Everyone has goals for themselves, and one of mine is 1,500-plus (yards)," Mason said. "I heard the rushing record here is around 1,900 yards, and I would love to be the one who breaks that mark."
Lashlee and Mason had high praise for Auburn's two new running backs, Peyton Barber and Johnathan "Rudy" Ford. Mason specifically described Ford as a running back with great speed, someone Lashlee could use in Onterio McCalebb's offensive role.
"As far as the two younger guys, their heads are still spinning," Lashlee said. "But I do love their attitude. They're working hard, and there's no fear in them. They might not always block the right man, but they're going to go and hit them in the mouth hard--they've shown out."
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