Auburn Football: 5 Players With Something to Prove in Spring Practice

Roc Thomas, RB

In most cases, a rising sophomore that spent the previous season as the third-string running back behind two graduating seniors would be expected to rise to the top of the depth chart – especially when that player is a former five-star recruit and Mr. Football in the state of Alabama.

However, at Auburn things aren’t that simple.

Roc Thomas played in 11 games as a true freshman last season and gained 213 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 43 carries. He was the team’s fifth-leading rushing behind SEC leader Cameron Artis-Payne, quarterback Nick Marshall, senior reserve Corey Grant and wide receiver Ricardo Louis.

But, the Tigers recruited Jovon Robinson to campus from Georgia Military College, where he set a national record with 2,387 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns as a freshman in 2013. Robinson – a punishing 230-pound runner – was the top ranked JUCO player in the nation in the most recent class and participated in Outback Bowl practices.

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With Robinson in the mix, Thomas is no longer the clear-cut favorite to be the primary ball carrier in Gus Malzahn’s offense in 2015. In fact, he may not be the favorite at all.

Listed at 5-foot-10 and 193 pounds, Thomas is much lighter than Robinson, and therefore may be less durable over the course of a full season. Plus, Robinson is a special talent that could become a Heisman Trophy candidate.

This spring, Thomas must prove he’s capable of not only carrying the load for the Tigers in 2015, but also that he can take care of the football. As a freshman, he lost two fumbles.

Next: Shon Coleman