Auburn Football: Offensive Depth Chart Projections – Running Back
Nov 22, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Roc Thomas (9) jumps over Samford Bulldogs defensive back Josh Kimberlin (10) on a run during the second half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Roc Thomas
Of course, Jovon Robinson won’t just waltz in and take the top spot on the running back depth chart. He’ll have to beat out rising sophomore Roc Thomas, whom many project to be the favorite to win the starting role.
Thomas was also a five-star prospect coming out of high school and he made a case for early playing time as a true freshman despite the Tigers fielding an already crowded and experienced backfield.
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After sitting out the season opener against Arkansas, Thomas scored on his very first collegiate carry in the fourth quarter against San Jose State in Week 2. He played in 11 games, including two official starts.
Overall, the 5-foot-10, 193-pound Anniston, Alabama native rushed for 214 yards and two touchdowns on 43 carries (5.0 yards per carry) in his debut season with the Tigers. Thomas also caught six passes for 27 yards and contributed as a kick returner.
Of course, there were a few “freshman” moments, including fumbles against San Jose State and Alabama – the second of which was a backward pass he failed to cover that gave the Crimson Tide an immediate scoring opportunity in the 55-44 loss.
However, Thomas has elite talent and should be better in his second season on campus. An electric runner with top-notch agility and change of direction, Thomas could be the lightning to Robinson’s thunder in 2015.
Together the pair might even remind Auburn football fans of great Tigers duos like Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams or Bo Jackson and Brent Fullwood.
Lofty? Yes. But the two are simply that talented.
Next: Kerryon Johnson