Five Auburn Tigers Breakout Players for 2014

Apr 19, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers receiver D’haquille Williams. Mandatory Credit: John Ree – USA TODAY Sports

1. #1 D’haquille Williams, 6-foot-2, 216 pounds, Junior Wide Receiver

Speaking of the passing game, the final player on our list is no surprise, as number one comes in at number one of the five Auburn Tigers breakout players of 2014.

In two seasons at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, D’haquille Williams caught 118 passes for 2,028 yards and 26 touchdowns. Considered to be the top junior college prospect in the nation in 2013, Williams signed with Auburn and will team with Sammie Coates to give the Tigers one of the most explosive wide receiver duos in the nation.

Since the spring, the Auburn coaching staff has talked about throwing the ball more in 2014 than they did last season. Actually, it may have been promises to put the ball in the air more that convinced Williams to sign with the Tigers in February. With “Duke” now on board, it is easy to understand why Malzahn and Lashlee plan to pass more this year.

Williams showed us a glimpse of his athleticism when he made an amazing catch early in fall practice and posted the video to his Instagram account. It was only up for a matter of minutes, but fans were able to capture it and pass it along.

And, Williams is more than just a touchdown-maker.

“He’s a guy who needs the ball and plays well with the ball, but the thing I have been most impressed about with Duke is we really ask a lot of our receivers outside of catching footballs,” Lashlee told reporters earlier in fall camp. “We really pride ourselves in blocking well for other receivers and for backs and Nick. We ask them to do a lot of things without the ball and he’s been exceptional like the other guys in that area.”

Williams appears to be the total package at wide receiver. He is strong and athletic, with good speed and great hands. Expect him to make big plays for the Auburn Tigers in 2014, but it might be smart to not get too attached – he could be in the NFL this time next year.