While junior receivers Seth Williams and Anthony Schwartz have garnered most of the attention from opposing secondaries, Auburn’s group of talented freshmen will look to get more touches in the coming weeks.
The junior duo makes up nearly 70% of the receiving yards through the first three games of the season.
These two were also the only wide receivers to catch a pass during Saturday’s win over Arkansas.
With veteran Eli Stove out with an injury he suffered in Athens, Georgia, the Tigers will look to throw more to true freshmen Kobe Hudson and Ze’Vian Capers.
The freshmen have combined for 35 receiving yards this season.
Despite this lack of experience, Williams expressed confidence in the young pass-catchers.
“I’ve seen that they’re really talented,” Williams said Tuesday. “If anything happens to one of us, we know that they can come in and fill the spot.”
Gus Malzahn also expressed his interest in getting them more reps.
“The more reps that those guys get, the better they’re going to get,” Malzahn said. “The moments not going to be too big when they start playing more.”
The Tigers’ depth at receiver could become a major factor in 2020, as both Williams and Schwartz missed time with injuries last season.
Freshman tight end J.J. Pegues, who garnered some attention for his 11-yard run against Arkansas, will also likely get a few more snaps.
His moves impressed his teammates as much as it impressed fans.
“I didn’t think he could get up like that,” Williams said when asked about the play. “He moves super smooth to be 300 pounds.”
The one freshman who has earned a permanent spot in the rotation is running back Tank Bigsby.
Bigsby has averaged 5.6 yards per carry through the first three games. Against Arkansas, he amassed 162 rushing yards.
“He hits the hole, he finishes for extra yards, his yards after contact is impressive,” Malzahn said.
All four freshmen, along with some of the others in the recruiting class, will be looking to find the field this Saturday as the Tigers travel to take on South Carolina.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Dylan Fox, Junior in Civil Site Design Engineering, joined The Plainsman as a sports writer in Spring 2020. From Geneva, IL.
