After Auburn’s first two scrimmages of fall camp, it’s become apparent that Seth Williams is a difficult man to guard.
Six days removed from his “60, 70-yard” slant-pattern score in the Tigers’ first scrimmage, Williams was again a force to be reckoned with Wednesday morning. There were no big plays to speak of, but according to H-back Chandler Cox, most catches Williams pulls down are head-turners.
“That guy, he’s good,” Cox said. “He’s making tremendous catches. I just watch him when I’m on the sideline, and he’s out there making one-handed grabs, jumping up and catching every ball thrown his way.”
Auburn’s “phenomenal” quartet of first-year wideouts — Williams, Shedrick Jackson, Matthew Hill and Anthony Schwartz — have all honed in on their own unique roles, with Williams’ primary contribution being sheer athleticism.
According to starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham, Williams may have the best leaping ability on the team, even above the likes of junior deep threat Darius Slayton.
Speaking of starting receivers, Nate Craig-Myers confirmed Thursday that Williams is working behind him at the “Y receiver” position, along with sophomore Marquis McClain. Craig-Myers has fallen short of expectations through two seasons, and Williams' impressive preseason camp could make this the receiver battle to watch.
Craig-Myers’ prowess has been on display in camp as well, notably with a reported long touchdown reception in the second scrimmage. The Tampa native said Wednesday that all the freshmen are impressive, but he gets to view Williams’ game up close every day.
“He’s a guy that can go attack the ball,” Craig-Myers said of Williams. “Crazy ball skills. He’s a guy that’s going to jumping out of the gym, a guy that’s definitely going to have a role.”
RECAP: Malzahn, Auburn making depth chart progress following run-oriented scrimmage
That role is being tested immediately. At the past few practices, receivers coach Kodi Burns lessened reps for the veterans and allowed Williams and the youngsters to try their hand at the first team, per Gus Malzahn.
Malzahn said that the number of plays to memorize during camp “gets everyone,” but it especially affects the freshmen. Once offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey narrows that down into a set playbook, Malzahn thinks Williams and company will be able to execute at their highest level.
“They’re talented, we’ve just got to get them ready in a hurry,” Malzahn said. “Once we narrow things down, I think we’ve got some very talented guys that will have a chance to help, and I think (solidifying a playbook) will help them too.”
Auburn will take a day off for pictures tomorrow. The Plainsman will cover assistant coach interviews at 11 a.m. CST.
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Nathan King, senior in journalism with a minor in business, is The Plainsman's sports editor.
