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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Gus Malzahn could turn to redshirt freshman JaTarvious Whitlow as Auburn’s featured running back. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4. RB JaTarvious Whitlow

A lot of people think JaTarvious “Boobee” Whitlow will be Auburn’s next 1,000-yard rusher. That’s a lot to ask of a player who hasn’t carried the ball in a college game, but that’s the sort of hype Whitlow has been getting since his time on the scout team last fall and then in Peach Bowl and spring practice.

He’s got size (6-0, 216) and runs with power. He’s more Kerryon Johnson than any other back on the Auburn roster. Just take a look at his running style from the Orange and Blue spring game:

It’s no secret that Malzahn likes to find his go-to back and stick with him. The 2018 backfield gives Malzahn and Lindsey options and Whitlow might be the most intriguing one of all.

Expect Whitlow to get every chance to show what he can do in fall practice and early in the season. If he seizes it like other backs have done early in the season under Malzahn, he could end up getting the bulk of the carries for the entire season.

If not, Martin, Miller, Barrett and several freshmen running backs are eager for the opportunity to make names for themselves.