Auburn football: 10 players most important to accelerating offense in 2018

Ryan Davis and the Auburn football team had little trouble vs. the Bulldogs last season. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
Ryan Davis and the Auburn football team had little trouble vs. the Bulldogs last season. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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The big-play capability of sophomore Devan Barrett could have Auburn fans in a frenzy in 2018. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

8. RB/WR Devan Barrett

As a freshman last season, Devan Barrett had 24 touches on offense — 14 rushing attempts and 10 receptions. Expect those numbers to get a considerable increase in 2018.

Barrett drew attention this spring after Stove’s ACL injury. Malzahn and Lindsey experimented with Barrett at flanker, where he took on the role as the Tigers’ primary ballcarrier on speed sweeps.

Stove had 30 carries for 315 yards (10.5 yards per carry) last season with three touchdowns. Those are very big shoes to fill. But Barrett brings a running back mentality to the spot if the coaches keep him there.

That’s not to discount Barrett playing running back, too. The competition is fierce at the position and he did see playing time there as a freshman — only Martin and Malik Miller carried the ball more from the running back spot.

His skill set puts him in position to see more opportunities for the Auburn football team. He could be a serious difference-maker for this offense.