Eight games into his first season, Roc Thomas is starting to show why he was a top-five running back recruit in most major rankings.
Although he wasn't utilized early in the season, Thomas' increased role in Auburn's offense is apparent. His emergence as a pivotal part of Auburn's attack came in the 38-23 loss against Mississippi State.
Thomas said he thought he played well, but was disappointed to come out with the loss.
Head coach Gus Malzahn spoke about the freshman's performance against Mississippi State on his weekly Tiger Talk radio segment Sunday, Oct. 12.
"Roc did an outstanding job," Malzahn said. "We made that determination that we're going to go ahead and turn him loose against Mississippi State. He did some very good things. He's a natural runner, and you see that."
Thomas, who averaged 2.6 rushes per game before Mississippi State, has been handed the ball 17 times since, and he will most likely have more, despite rolling his ankle in the win against Ole Miss.
Thomas said his increased familiarity with the offense has been a factor in his new role.
"It was just a matter of being prepared for it," Thomas said. "I feel a lot more comfortable now. It was kind of like when I played in high school, just being that senior and getting all the carries. I'm not getting all the carries, (but) I just know what to do."
Thomas' teammates said they've taken notice of the freshman's skills and realize he can be a very dangerous runner. Fellow running back and starter Cameron Artis-Payne said he appreciates the freshman's skills.
"He's definitely a different kind of running back than me," Artis-Payne said. "And it worked for us."
Malzahn said Thomas' role will continue to increase and they were waiting for him to get familiar with the offense.
"We just felt like it was about time," Malzahn said. "We felt confident. We felt Roc was comfortable."
Despite exiting the game in the second quarter against Ole Miss, Thomas is expected to be healthy against Texas A&M, whose rush defense is statistically one of the worst in the SEC.
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