Auburn football: From QB recruiting to clearing stubborn double-digit win hurdle
By Rob Maxwell
3. Serious speed
The SEC is known as a speed league. If you can’t keep up, you get left behind in this conference.
Auburn has had speed in recent seasons.
But this team? This one has some serious burners on both sides of the ball.
In fact, two Auburn players made an NFL.com list of the 18 fastest college football players. Receiver Darius Slayton and defensive back Javaris Davis made the list at No. 12 and No. 6, respectively.
That’s all well and good, but look at what else the Tigers bring this season:
Freshman WR Anthony Schwartz: When you hear the phrase “world-class speed,” think of Schwartz. He was the nation’s top high school sprinter in the 100 and 200 and finished second in the 100 meters at the IAAF World U20 Championships in July. He not only will be the fastest player on the Auburn football roster, he might be the fastest player in the country. You think Malzahn and Chip Lindsey have spent time finding ways to get the ball in his hands?
Running back: Kerryon Johnson and Kam Pettway led Auburn in rushing the last two seasons. Both are powerful, run-you-over backs with good, but not great speed. Without a doubt, Auburn is faster at the position this season. Kam Martin is a blazer. Freshmen Asa Martin and Shaun Shivers are fast. The Tigers have options.
Defense: First, Auburn has an athletic front. Although Derrick Brown is listed at 325 pounds, he’s a quick and nimble 325 when he wants to be. Marlon Davidson and Nick Coe will be difficult on the edge. Then you have T.D. Moultry and Big Kat Bryant at Buck and a host of speedy linebackers.